Smartphone Market Expansion: Top Three Manufacturers Dominate Mobile Sales

Smartphone Market Expansion: Top Three Manufacturers Dominate Mobile Sales

Global smartphone sales grew by three percent in Q4 2024, totaling approximately 330 million units and marking five consecutive quarters of growth. Annual shipments reached 1.22 billion, a seven percent increase year-over-year, with Apple leading the market at 23 percent, followed by Samsung at 16 percent. Notably, Transsion gained traction in emerging markets, capturing eight percent of the global share. Android brands like Xiaomi and Vivo also saw significant growth, driven by demand for affordable devices in developing regions.

Global Smartphone Market Growth in Q4 2024

The latest report from Canalys reveals that the worldwide smartphone market experienced a three percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2024. With approximately 330 million devices sold, this marks the fifth consecutive quarter of growth for the industry.

Throughout 2024, total global smartphone shipments reached an impressive 1.22 billion units, representing a seven percent increase compared to the previous year. The study highlights key manufacturers that significantly contributed to these robust sales figures, with Apple taking the lead for the second year in a row.

Top Manufacturers in 2024

In 2024, Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi emerged as the top contenders in smartphone sales. Apple’s strong performance in the fourth quarter comes as no surprise, as the launch of the iPhone consistently boosts their sales during this period. The introduction of the iPhone 16 and its variants provided Apple with a seven percent market advantage. By the end of 2024, Apple captured 23 percent of the market, while Samsung trailed with a 16 percent share.

Canalys analyst Le Xuan Chiew notes, “Apple fortified its global standing by expanding in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia.” The enhancement of Apple’s distribution networks and their growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region are believed to play a crucial role in their success.

Interestingly, the fourth-ranked manufacturer, Transsion, has gained traction despite being relatively unknown in regions like Germany. Focusing on markets in Africa and India, Transsion’s smartphones are tailored to meet the specific needs of these areas, allowing it to capture an impressive eight percent of the global market in the fourth quarter.

Overall, the Android market also thrived in 2024. “Despite facing challenges from escalating supply chain costs earlier in the year, Android brands such as Xiaomi, Transsion, and Vivo achieved double-digit growth,” stated Canalys Senior Analyst Toby Zhu. He further explains that while mid-range devices struggled with demand, consumers in emerging markets leaned towards more affordable options, contrasting with a trend of rising prices in mature markets.

As we look back at the best smartphones of 2024, various models stood out from a selection of 224 tested products, showcasing exceptional quality and performance across the board.