Based on data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), global smartphone shipments reached 1.24 billion units in 2024, a 6.4% increase year-on-year (YoY) compared to 2023.
According to IDC research director Nabila Popal, the smartphone market experienced positive growth last year despite manufacturers facing challenges from macroeconomic conditions, inflation, and sluggish demand.
"Vendors successfully adapted their strategies to drive growth by focusing on promotions, launching devices across various price segments, offering interest-free financing schemes, and aggressive trade-in programs," said Nabila in a press release on Monday, January 13, 2025.
In 2024, Apple became the leading smartphone manufacturer with shipments of 232.1 million units. However, this figure represents a 0.9% YoY decrease.
Samsung followed with 223.4 million units shipped, also experiencing a 1.4% YoY decline.
IDC attributes the decline in shipments from these two manufacturers to the aggressive growth of Chinese smartphone brands.
"Chinese smartphone manufacturers propelled the overall market with a focus on low-end devices, rapid expansion, and strong domestic growth," IDC wrote in its report.
In 2024, Xiaomi's smartphone shipments surged 15.4% YoY to 168.5 million units; Transsion's shipments grew 12.7% YoY to 106.9 million units; and Oppo's shipments increased by 1.4% YoY to 104.8 million units.
Combined shipments from other smartphone brands rose 12.3% YoY to 402.9 million units.