Synopsis
A recent report reveals that the global smartphone market grew by 3% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2025, driven by emerging markets and specific demand increases in China. While Apple leads the market, Samsung and Xiaomi also show notable growth.Key Takeaways
- Global smartphone market grew by 3% in Q1 2025.
- Emerging markets and China significantly influenced growth.
- Apple achieved top market position despite challenges.
- Samsung and Xiaomi reported strong sales increases.
- New technologies like GenAI and foldables are on the rise.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) The global smartphone market experienced a 3% year-on-year increase during the first quarter (Q1) of this year, according to a report released on Monday.
Smartphone sell-through witnessed a 3% YoY growth in the quarter, fueled by expansion in emerging markets and a boost in demand driven by subsidies in China, as indicated by preliminary findings from Counterpoint Research.
The market had a mixed beginning in 2025, as Q1 showed ongoing improvements in economic conditions, especially within emerging markets. However, more developed areas such as North America, Europe, and China exhibited signs of market fatigue following a recovery in 2024.
Sales in January were particularly robust, spurred by a demand boost in China due to subsidies.
“The momentum persisted with significant product launches like Samsung’s S25 and iPhone 16e, but it quickly shifted as economic uncertainties and trade war risks began to rise, particularly towards the quarter's end. We are continually analyzing policy changes and currently expect the market to decline YoY in 2025, despite the growth seen in Q1,” stated senior research analyst Ankit Malhotra.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dynamics remain intriguing. Benefiting from the iPhone 16e launch during a non-traditional quarter and ongoing growth in its non-core markets, Apple secured the top position in Q1 2025, even with challenges in its primary markets.
While sales in the US, Europe, and China were either stagnant or declining, Apple achieved double-digit growth in Japan, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Samsung followed Apple with an 18% market share, as per the report.
Despite a slow start due to the late introduction of the S25 series, Samsung's sales rebounded following the launch of its flagship S25 and new A-series devices, with double-digit growth in March. The “Ultra” variant in the S25 series sales also saw an uptick.
Xiaomi, maintaining its strong sales trajectory, captured additional market share, supported by its expansion into new regions and significant growth in its domestic market, where the brand is achieving a more premium presence thanks to its successful ventures into electric vehicles, according to the report.
The fastest-growing among the top five brands, vivo, gained a rank to secure the fourth position, aided by its substantial exposure to the thriving China market and expansion into emerging regions. OPPO ranked fifth and reported sales growth in India, Latin America, and Europe.
“The rise of new technologies like GenAI and foldables will persist, but OEMs must closely monitor demand moving forward,” the report concluded.
