Smartphone Market Growth in Q4 2024

The global smartphone market experienced a notable growth of 3 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2024. This increase marks the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, according to a recent report by Canalys, a leading market research firm. The surge in shipments was largely driven by the popularity of Apple’s new iPhone 16 series. As a result, Apple secured the top position in the market with a 23 percent share. Samsung followed closely behind, while Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Transsion Group, and Vivo also made significant contributions. Notably, Xiaomi was the only brand among the top three to achieve year-on-year growth during this period.
Apple’s Continued Dominance in Q4 2024
According to Canalys, global smartphone shipments reached approximately 330 million units in Q4 2024. This figure represents a 3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. For the entire year, shipments were estimated at 1.22 billion units, reflecting a 7 percent year-on-year growth. Apple emerged as the largest contributor to these shipments, capturing a 23 percent market share in Q4 2024, slightly down from 24 percent in Q3 2023. The tech giant’s success can be attributed to strong sales in key markets like India and Southeast Asia, allowing it to maintain its lead over Samsung for the second consecutive year.
Canalys analyst Le Xuan Chiew predicts that Apple will continue to grow in 2025. This growth is expected to be fueled by a refreshed product portfolio, hardware upgrades, and the broader adoption of Apple Intelligence. The late Q3 release of the iPhone 16 series has also played a crucial role in boosting Apple’s performance. As the company focuses on innovation and customer engagement, it appears well-positioned to sustain its market leadership in the coming years.
Samsung’s Position and Challenges
Samsung, a long-standing competitor in the smartphone market, secured a 16 percent market share in Q4 2024. This is a slight decline from the 17 percent share it held a year earlier. Despite this dip, Samsung remains a formidable player in the industry. The company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings to attract consumers. However, it faces challenges in maintaining its market position against aggressive competitors like Apple and Xiaomi.
While Samsung’s overall performance has been stable, the company must navigate a rapidly changing market landscape. The competition is fierce, and consumer preferences are shifting towards high-end devices. To counter this, Samsung is likely to focus on enhancing its premium product lines. The company is also expected to invest in marketing strategies that highlight its technological advancements and unique features. As the smartphone market evolves, Samsung’s ability to adapt will be crucial for its continued success.
Xiaomi and Other Chinese Brands on the Rise
Xiaomi maintained its position as the third-largest smartphone manufacturer in Q4 2024, with a 13 percent market share. Remarkably, it was the only brand among the top three to achieve year-on-year growth during this period. Canalys attributes Xiaomi’s success to its increasing presence in its home market and its global expansion efforts. The company has effectively leveraged its extensive channel networks and competitive product offerings to capture consumer interest.
Transsion Group, which includes brands like Infinix, Tecno, and Itel, ranked fourth with an 8 percent market share. Vivo also secured an 8 percent share, placing it in fifth position. The report highlights the effective inventory management and product strategies of these brands as key factors in their growth. However, Canalys warns that replicating the market performance of 2024 may prove challenging in 2025.
Analysts note that last year’s growth was largely driven by inventory replenishment and macroeconomic recovery in specific markets. Demand fluctuations and uncertainties in the global economy remain significant challenges. As a result, vendors are expected to focus more on high-end products, enhancing their competitiveness through AI integration, product innovation, and stronger marketing strategies.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editorโs Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.