Worldwide Smartphone Market Share
Samsung held onto its top position during Q1 2025, delivering around 60.6 million devices and capturing a 19.9% share of the worldwide market. Apple stayed competitive in second place, shipping about 57.9 million units for approximately 19% market share. Across the globe, smartphone deliveries experienced modest expansion—ranging from 0.4% (301.4M devices) to 1.5% (304.9M units) when compared to Q1 2024, indicating a cautious recovery influenced by supply chain factors and lukewarm consumer interest.
Worldwide Smartphone Market Share Q1 2024: Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Transsion
The worldwide smartphone industry during Q1 2024 showcases a sector characterized by swift innovation, intense rivalry, and changing buyer preferences. Based on recent International Data Corporation (IDC) findings, Samsung has recaptured its leading position, Apple encounters declining deliveries, and rapidly growing competitors like Xiaomi and Transsion are narrowing the distance. This evolving environment demonstrates how top manufacturers are adjusting to developing markets, advanced technologies, and changing customer needs.
Smartphone Market Share Q1 2024 – Leading 5 Companies
The industry remains dominated by Samsung and Apple, yet competitors including Xiaomi and Transsion are transforming the competitive dynamics:
**Samsung** – Secured the top spot again with 20.8% worldwide share, delivering 60.1 million devices.
**Apple** – Fell to second position holding 17.3% share and 50.1 million units delivered, declining from 20.7% in Q1 2023.
**Xiaomi** – Achieved impressive expansion, attaining 14.1% share with 40.8 million units delivered, representing a 33.8% annual growth.
**OPPO** – Placed fourth with 8.7% share (25.2 million devices), although deliveries decreased from the prior year.
**Transsion (Tecno, Infinix, Itel)** – Secured 8.6% share (25 million devices), driven by robust interest in Africa and South Asia.
Market Share Analysis: Q1 2023 vs Q1 2024
| Company | Q1 2023 Share | Q1 2024 Share | Unit |Change |
| Samsung | 22.5% | | 20.8% | | 60.1M | | –0.7% |
| Apple | | 20.7%| | 17.3% | | 50.1M | | –3.4% |
| Xiaomi | | 10.5% | |14.1% | |40.8M | |+33.8% |
| OPPO | | 10.3% | |8.7% | |25.2M | |–15% |
| Transsion | 6.8% | |8.6% | |25.0M | |+35% |
These numbers reveal that although Samsung and Apple stay powerful, Xiaomi and Transsion are growing quickly, particularly in cost-conscious and expanding markets.
R&D Investment – Driving Innovation Forward
Smartphone innovation depends on substantial R&D expenditures. The competition focuses on advances in AI, processor development, camera technology, and bendable screens:
**Samsung** – Allocated a record $20.2B during 2023, concentrating on semiconductors and mobile advancement.
**Apple** – Put $29.9B toward 2023 initiatives, enhancing iOS, proprietary processors, and camera technology.
**Xiaomi** – Expanded R&D spending to $2.6B in 2023 (+22.5% annually) while planning $18B investment across five years.
This intensifying R&D competition points toward smartphone innovation's future: AI integration, enhanced cameras, and sophisticated designs.
Foldable Smartphone Industry in 2024
Foldables continue as one of the most rapidly expanding and discussed smartphone categories:
**Samsung** – Maintains a dominant 66% portion of the worldwide foldable market, supported by Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold lineups.
**Xiaomi** – Building market presence through its Mix Fold lineup, particularly in China.
**Apple** – Hasn't released a foldable device yet, though speculation about a foldable iPhone indicates potential future market disruption.
Important Consumer Trends
**Developing markets** – Xiaomi and Transsion succeed with budget-friendly mid-tier devices across Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.
**High-end segments** – Apple and Samsung control developed markets where expensive devices generate better profits.
**Future outlook** – Upcoming competition will focus on AI-enhanced devices, custom processors, and foldable innovations.
Summary – Smartphone Industry's Path Forward
The Q1 2024 overview reveals a dynamic smartphone environment:
* Samsung commands delivery volumes
* Apple preserves strong brand recognition and earnings
* Xiaomi emerges as the most rapidly expanding worldwide smartphone manufacturer
* Transsion demonstrates regional leadership influence in developing economies
Moving ahead, competition will pivot toward AI-powered breakthroughs and foldable technology. With growing R&D investments, the smartphone sector prepares for significant change—combining design, capability, and smart features in previously inconceivable ways.