Samsung Reclaims Top Spot in Global Smartphone Market for Q1 2024

In a shift of the smartphone landscape, Samsung has dethroned Apple as the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer according to new data from International Data Corporation (IDC). This comes after Apple briefly seized the top position in late 2023.

The report highlights a resurgent Samsung capturing 20.8% market share in Q1 2024, shipping 60.1 million smartphones. This stands in contrast to Apple’s 17.3% market share and 50.1 million units shipped during the same period. IDC attributes Apple’s decline to intensifying competition from other Android phone makers vying for the top spot.

This shift marks a reversal from the previous year, where Apple enjoyed a surge in market share to 20.8% by year’s end.

A Booming Market with Shifting Sands

Overall, the global smartphone market experienced a healthy 7.8% growth in Q1 2024, reaching 289.4 million units shipped. This represents the third consecutive quarter of growth, indicating a strong industry recovery despite lingering macroeconomic challenges.

“As expected, smartphone recovery continues to move forward with market optimism slowly building among the top brands,” said Ryan Reith, Group Vice President with IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers.

China’s Growing Influence

The report also emphasizes the growing influence of Chinese smartphone manufacturers. Xiaomi maintained a strong third place with a 14.1% market share (40.8 million units shipped), followed by Transsion (9.9% share, 28.5 million units) and Oppo (8.7% share, 25.2 million units).

Looking Ahead: A Competitive Landscape

Analysts predict a continued battle for market share as the industry recovers. While Samsung and Apple are expected to retain their hold on the premium segment, the resurgence of Huawei in China and strong performances from Xiaomi, Transsion, Oppo/OnePlus, and Vivo will likely force these major players to explore new avenues for growth and diversification.

“As the recovery progresses, we’re likely to see the top companies gain share as the smaller brands struggle for positioning,” added Reith.

The smartphone market appears to be emerging from a period of turbulence, not just stronger but also demonstrably changed. Consumers are opting for pricier devices with the expectation of longer lifespans, leading to growth in both value and average selling prices (ASPs). Additionally, the power dynamics within the top five companies are shifting, and this trend is likely to continue as market players adapt their strategies to a post-recovery world.