Global Smartphone Market Sees Double-Digit Growth In Q1 2021

The new report by Gartner reveals that the global smartphone market grew 26 per cent in Q1 2021. Overall, worldwide mobile phone sales to end users grew 22% year over year.  

Samsung reached the first position with an increase in market share by 1.9 per cent in Q1 2021. Whereas Apple and Xiaomi maintained their respective positions with 15.5 and 12.9 per cent market share respectively. 

The report reveals that the launch of mid-priced smartphones, such as phones priced under $150, boosted Samsung’s unit sales globally. The early shipping of its flagship 5G smartphones added to the company’s smartphone sales growth. 

Moreover, Chinese smartphone vendors Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo witnessed a growing demand for 5G smartphones and capitalized on the opportunities due to weakening sales of Huawei and LG globally in this quarter, it added. 

Notably, Apple slipped down to the second position, after securing the No.1 spot in the fourth quarter of 2020. “5G will continue to be the major growth driver for Apple in 2021. Device upgrades will fuel demand for Apple’s flagship phone throughout the year,” said Anshul Gupta, senior research director at Gartner. 

The report further states that the global chip shortage has not impacted yet. However, this may change in the coming quarters and may result in an increase in the average selling price of smartphones globally.