Samsung Regains Top Position in Global Smartphone Market, IDC Reports

Samsung Smartphone Growth Q1 2024

IDC’s Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker reveals a 7.8% increase in worldwide smartphone shipments during the first quarter of 2024, with Samsung leading the charge.

In a significant turn of events, Samsung has surged back to claim the throne as the world’s leading smartphone provider, according to the latest data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. The report, released on April 15, 2024, highlights a 7.8% year-over-year increase in global smartphone shipments during the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24), marking the third consecutive quarter of shipment growth and signaling a promising recovery for the industry.

Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, expressed optimism about the ongoing smartphone recovery, noting, “As expected, smartphone recovery continues to move forward with market optimism slowly building among the top brands.”

While Apple held the top spot at the end of 2023, Samsung’s resurgence in the first quarter of 2024 propelled it back into the lead. Nabila Popal, research director with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team, commented on the changing landscape of the smartphone market, stating, “The smartphone market is emerging from the turbulence of the last two years both stronger and changed.”

Key findings from the IDC report reveal the following top 5 companies in terms of worldwide smartphone shipments, market share, and year-over-year growth for Q1 2024:

Samsung: Shipped 60.1 million units, capturing a market share of 20.8%.
Apple: Shipped 50.1 million units, holding a market share of 17.3%.
Xiaomi: Shipped 40.8 million units, with a market share of 14.1%.
Transsion: Shipped 28.5 million units, claiming a market share of 9.9%.
OPPO: Shipped 25.2 million units, accounting for a market share of 8.7%.

The resurgence of Huawei in China, along with notable gains from Xiaomi, Transsion, OPPO, and vivo, underscores the competitive dynamics within the smartphone market. Popal highlighted Xiaomi’s strong comeback and Transsion’s growing presence in the top 5, particularly in international markets.

Despite Samsung and Apple experiencing negative growth in the first quarter, Samsung appears to be in a stronger position overall, according to IDC’s analysis.

It’s important to note that the data presented are preliminary and subject to change as more information becomes available. Additionally, the figures represent new shipments only and exclude refurbished units.

As the smartphone market continues to evolve and recover from the challenges of recent years, industry players are poised to adjust their strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities and meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.

Samsung’s resurgence to the top position in the global smartphone market during the first quarter of 2024 reflects a broader trend of recovery and transformation within the industry. With smartphone shipments on the rise and key players vying for market share, the stage is set for continued innovation and competition in the months ahead.

Source:

Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, International Data Corporation