Samsung Leads Global Smartphone Market in 3Q24

According to Canalys research, global smartphone shipments grew 5% year on year in the third quarter of 2024. Shipments reached 309.9 million units, the strongest Q3 performance since 2021. This surge was fueled by aggressive launches from smartphone brands offering refreshed portfolios with strong value propositions, encouraging upgrade numbers amid a favorable refresh cycle and robust consumer sentiment.

Samsung led with 57.5 million shipments, bolstered by a streamlined entry-level lineup. Apple retained second place with a record 54.5 million units, driven by the iPhone 16 series’ strong debut in emerging markets from narrower hardware gaps between base and Pro models. Xiaomi held third with 42.8 million units and a 14% market share, benefiting from strategic inventory positioning for new launches in core markets. OPPO and vivo finished the top five, shipping 28.6 million and 27.2 million units, respectively, with healthy performances in the highly competitive Asia Pacific region.

“Apple achieved record Q3 shipments, driven by a strategic blend of channel and supply chain optimizations,” said Canalys Analyst Le Xuan Chiew. “Post-WWDC’s Apple Intelligence announcements, consumers are actively upgrading from older iPhone 12 and 13 models to embrace this new technology. Moreover, Apple’s diversified iPhone production, notably in India, has significantly reduced lead times, streamlining pre-order fulfillment and stimulating local demand through competitive pricing. Supplementary production of previous-generation iPhones, such as the iPhone 13 and 15, in India has further bolstered Apple’s operator channel shipments into the US and Europe, enabling it to reclaim market share in the mid-range segment and capitalize on replacement demand. Nevertheless, it is vital to note the geopolitical obstacles, and the delayed deployment of Apple Intelligence may substantially hinder Apple’s performance both in the festive fourth quarter and in 2025.”

“Intense competition in the low-end market has persisted, despite a strong first half of 2024 buoyed by robust consumer demand and favorable economic conditions,” said Canalys Senior Analyst Toby Zhu. “Canalys remains cautiously optimistic for the rest of the year, with vendors sharpening inventory positioning and brand building to fuel growth into 2025. Emerging markets, such as Southeast Asia and Latin America, have outperformed the overall market, driven by increased price competition and channel incentives in the entry-level segment. While this segment remains vital for volume and market share, inflationary pressures limit the profitability of ultra-low-end devices, making sustained price wars challenging. In mature markets, such as the US, China, and Western Europe, premium segment growth will be driven by AI-powered differentiation. Vendors such as vivo and HONOR are expanding their mid-range portfolios through innovative channel strategies, including pop-up stores and operator partnerships, to capture upgraders from the $100-to-$200 price band.”