Samsung regains top position in global smartphone market, IDC reports

The worldwide smartphone market showed a promising 7.8% growth in the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. This marks the third consecutive quarter of shipment growth, indicating a steady recovery in the industry.

Samsung reclaimed its position as the leading smartphone provider in Q1 2024, surpassing Apple, which held the top spot at the end of 2023.

Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC's Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, stated:

While Apple managed to capture the top spot at the end of 2023, Samsung successfully reasserted itself as the leading smartphone provider in the first quarter. While IDC expects these two companies to maintain their hold on the high end of the market, the resurgence of Huawei in China, as well as notable gains from Xiaomi, Transsion, OPPO/OnePlus, and vivo will likely have both OEMs looking for areas to expand and diversify. As the recovery progresses, we're likely to see the top companies gain share as the smaller brands struggle for positioning.

Nabila Popal, research director with IDC's Worldwide Tracker team, emphasized two key trends driving the market: the growth in value and average selling prices (ASPs) as consumers opt for more expensive devices with longer lifespans, and the shifting power dynamics among the top players.

Xiaomi's resurgence and Transsion's international growth are notable, while Samsung appears to be in a stronger position compared to recent quarters, despite experiencing negative growth in the first quarter.