Samsung Reclaims Leadership in the Global Smartphone Market

Samsung has once again taken the lead in the global smartphone market, surpassing Apple in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest data from International Data Corporation (IDC). This shift marks a significant rebound for Samsung, which saw its worldwide smartphone shipments grow to 289.4 million units, nearly an 8% increase, highlighting a broader recovery in the smartphone sector.

In the competitive tussle, Samsung managed to ship 60.1 million smartphones, capturing nearly 21% of the market share. Meanwhile, Apple, which temporarily held the top spot at the end of 2023, shipped 50.1 million iPhones, securing just over 17% of the market. This represents a 9.6% decline for Apple in quarter-over-quarter shipments, while Samsung’s figures showed a relatively stable performance with less than a 1% drop.

The smartphone market’s growth trajectory is also influenced by Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Transsion, which are rapidly gaining ground. Xiaomi increased its shipments by about 33% to 40.8 million units, while Transsion saw a remarkable 85% jump to 28.5 million units, reflecting aggressive expansion in international markets.

Ryan Reith, vice president of IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers team, anticipates that major brands will continue to dominate the market as the recovery progresses, with smaller brands battling for recognition. Reith also expects Samsung and Apple to maintain their stronghold on the high-end segment, even as Chinese competitors like Xiaomi and Transsion make significant inroads.

Nabila Popal, research director with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team, noted the dynamic shifts among the top five companies. “There is a shift in power among the Top 5 companies, which will likely continue as market players adjust their strategies in a post-recovery world,” Popal stated. This indicates a possible ongoing reshuffling in the smartphone market hierarchy as brands adapt to changing consumer demands and market conditions.

This resurgence for Samsung underscores the intense competitiveness of the global smartphone market, where innovation and strategic marketing continue to play pivotal roles in shaping company fortunes.