Samsung Regains Dominance in Global Smartphone Market

Samsung regained its position as the world’s leading smartphone vendor in the first quarter of 2024 after briefly losing ground to Apple in 2023. According to a report released by the International Data Corporation (IDC) on April 15, Samsung shipped 60.1 million units, securing a substantial 20.8% share of the global market.

According to Engadget, this performance is impressive considering the overall market dynamics, where both Samsung and Apple experienced declining shipment volumes compared to the same quarter last year. Samsung’s shipments saw a minor decline of 0.7%, which pales compared to Apple’s 9.6% drop. Apple shipped 50.1 million units, accounting for 17.3% of the market in the first quarter of 2024.

The top 5 smartphone manufacturers — Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Transsion, and OPPO — still dominate the market, as per IDC reports. Transsion has moved to 4th place, ahead of OPPO, with 28.5 million units shipped. Xiaomi also remains competitive, with 40.8 million units shipped.

The IDC highlights a couple of key trends shaping the market: a rise in average selling prices and a strategic shift among the leading brands. Consumers are increasingly opting for higher-end devices. This indicates that consumers are always willing to invest more in smartphones they intend to use for longer periods.

As the market recovers, top manufacturers are also adjusting their strategies accordingly.

Ryan Reith, group vice president with the IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, suggested that leaders Samsung and Apple are pushed to innovate as brands like Xiaomi and Huawei grow.

Samsung may release new foldables as early as July, building on its established Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold models. It is rumored to be developing both a high-end and more affordable version of the Z Fold, as SamMobile and Galaxy Club report.

Meanwhile, Apple’s upcoming iPhones set to release in September are anticipated to feature modest hardware upgrades but significant AI-driven software enhancements, according to Bloomberg. This hints at Apple’s effort to remain competitive with Android devices that continue to innovate with new foldable technologies and AI capabilities.

Samsung’s comeback clearly points to its strong market position and the ability to adapt and succeed even in tough conditions. Nabila Popal, IDC’s research director, mentioned, “Samsung is in a stronger position overall than in recent quarters,” suggesting that Samsung might adopt a more aggressive market strategy. Changes among the top 5 manufacturers indicate continuous adjustments, leading to constantly changing competition in the smartphone market.