The smartphone industry, which has left behind the effects of COVID-19, entered a recovery and growth phase in 2024. According to reports from leading research firms such as Counterpoint, IDC, and Canalys, global smartphone sales showed an increase of 4 to 7 percent compared to last year. This recovery is particularly noticeable with the impressive growth of Chinese manufacturers Xiaomi and Vivo, while the battle for leadership between Samsung and Apple dominated 2024. So, who is at the top?
The Samsung and Apple battle rages on!
According to the Counterpoint report, the leader of 2024 is Samsung with a 19% market share. However, IDC and Canalys claim that Apple’s iPhone 15 series took the top spot. This difference might be due to the different methods of data analysis used by the research firms. In either case, Samsung and Apple remain the strongest players in the global smartphone market.
Xiaomi continues its rapid rise Xiaomi, with a growth rate of 12%, became the fastest-growing brand of 2024 and secured third place with a 14% market share. The Chinese manufacturer is particularly notable for its strong performance in the European and Asian markets. Other Chinese brands, such as Vivo and Oppo, maintained their positions in the top five with 8% and 9% market shares, respectively.
Nintendo, known for its strict stance on emulators for years, seems to have softened after the Switch 2 announcement.
In 2024, AI-enabled smartphones became the new focus of the industry. According to IDC, manufacturers continued to grow by investing in AI technologies, despite a decline in the popularity of foldable phones. Counterpoint predicts that by 2028, 90% of phones priced above $250 will feature AI-powered capabilities.
Do you think this leadership battle will continue in 2025? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!
