[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] Apple dominated the premium smartphone market in the first quarter. Apple secured four out of the top five best-selling premium smartphone models worldwide. Samsung Electronics did not make it into the top 5 list.
According to a report released on the 15th (local time) by market research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple held a 57% share of the premium smartphone market in the first quarter. It ranked first in all regions except China. Premium smartphones refer to devices priced above $400.
Among the top five best-selling premium smartphones in the first quarter, Apple placed four models including the iPhone 11. The number one spot was the iPhone 11 (30%). This was followed by the iPhone 11 Pro Max (9%), iPhone 11 Pro (7%), and iPhone XR (6%). The fifth place was taken by China's Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G (3%). Samsung Electronics, which unveiled the Galaxy S20 series through the Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this year, did not make it into the rankings.
This is the first time 5G smartphones have entered the best-selling top 5. It was confirmed that about one-fifth of the entire premium smartphone market in the first quarter was occupied by 5G devices. Counterpoint Research predicted that Apple's launch of 5G smartphones will play a key role in growth in the premium segment going forward.
Counterpoint Research stated, "Premium smartphone sales decreased by 13% year-on-year in the first quarter due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)," but added, "It is the segment most likely to show the most resilience even amid the COVID-19 situation."
Premium smartphones accounted for only 22% of total smartphone sales volume in the first quarter. However, their share of revenue reached a whopping 57%, making them a major segment.
Samsung Electronics ranked second globally in premium smartphone market share with 19%, following Apple. By region, it ranked second in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region excluding China, and the Middle East & Africa. Huawei ranked third, showing strong performance in China (1st) and Europe (4th). This was followed by China's Oppo (3rd) and Xiaomi (2nd). LG Electronics ranked fifth only in the Asia-Pacific region excluding North America and China.
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