Smartphone Shipments in Q1 Fail to Surpass 300 Million Units... Samsung Ranks First

Below 300 Million for the First Time in 6 Years... 295 Million Units Shipped in Q1
Samsung Electronics, No.1, Sees 18% Decrease in Shipments Compared to Same Period Last Year

Global Smartphone Shipments of Major Manufacturers in Q1 (Source: Counterpoint Research)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), global smartphone shipments in the first quarter fell below 300 million units for the first time in six years.

According to global market research firm Counterpoint Research on the 26th, smartphone shipments in the first quarter of 2020 recorded 295 million units. This is the first time since the first quarter of 2014 that quarterly shipments have dropped below 300 million units. Compared to the same period last year, it decreased by 13%.

By brand, Samsung Electronics, which maintained first place, shipped 59 million smartphones, down 18% from the same period last year. This decline is due to reduced sales in key markets such as the United States, India, and South America, which account for a significant portion of Samsung's revenue, affected by COVID-19.

Park Jinseok, a researcher at Counterpoint Research, said, "In the second quarter, Samsung is expected to face considerable difficulties due to the direct impact of COVID-19 in major sales regions such as the United States, India, and Europe. Since consumer smartphone purchases through online channels are expected to increase, Samsung should focus on strengthening sales through online channels."

Huawei, ranked second, shipped 49 million units, down 17% from the same period last year. Apple, ranked third, recorded 40 million units, a 5% decrease, as the impact was relatively less in Europe and Asia. On the other hand, Xiaomi (29.7 million units) and Realme (7.2 million units) showed strong performance in the Indian market, resulting in increased shipments. LG Electronics, ranked ninth, shipped 5 million units, a decrease of 1.9 million units compared to the same period last year.

Researcher Tarun Pathak stated, "Consumers are unlikely to actively replace smartphones in uncertain situations, which is expected to lengthen the smartphone replacement cycle. Going forward, consumption of low-priced phones online will increase, leading to a decline in the average selling price (ASP) of smartphones."