Based on a report by research firm Counterpoint Research, global smartphone sales in Q3 2023 fell by 8% year-on-year (YoY). This decline was consistent across all smartphone vendors.
"Annual sales volume decreased, largely due to slower-than-expected consumer demand recovery," wrote Counterpoint Research in its report.
Despite this, Samsung still led sales. The South Korean manufacturer controlled 20% of total global smartphone sales in Q3 2023. This represents a 13% decrease compared to Q3 of the previous year.
According to Counterpoint, sales of Samsung's new generation of foldable smartphones, the Flip 5, were almost double that of its predecessor. Meanwhile, Samsung's A-Series models continue to dominate the mid-range smartphone market.
Its rival, Apple, ranked second with a 16% global smartphone market share, a 9% decrease from Q3 2022.
Apple's market in Q4 2023 is predicted to show positive growth, driven by the expanding sales of the iPhone 15 across various regions and the year-end shopping season.
Next is Xiaomi, with a 12% global smartphone market share, a 15% drop from the same period last year.
Oppo and Vivo smartphone manufacturers achieved market shares of 10% and 8%, respectively. Both brands recorded year-on-year sales declines of 10% and 14%, respectively.
According to Counterpoint, these three Chinese brands are focusing on strengthening their positions in their key markets, China and India, while delaying expansion into other markets.
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