Samsung Electronics reclaimed the top spot in the smartphone market in the first quarter of this year, thanks to the Galaxy S23 series effect.
On the 18th (local time), market research firm Canalys reported that Samsung Electronics recorded a 22% share of the smartphone market in the first quarter. Apple, in second place, closely followed Samsung with a 21% share, boosted by demand for the iPhone 14 Pro.
In the fourth quarter of last year, Apple held a 25% share, supported by the launch of the iPhone 14 series, while Samsung Electronics recorded 20%. Samsung has thus regained the number one market share. However, compared to the first quarter of last year, Samsung's share fell by 2 percentage points, while Apple's share rose by 3 percentage points.
Xiaomi ranked third with an 11% share. Oppo and Vivo ranked fourth and fifth with 10% and 8%, respectively.
The global smartphone market size in the first quarter shrank by 12% compared to the same period last year, continuing a decline for five consecutive quarters. Samsung Electronics has been actively promoting the Galaxy S23 series through global distribution channels, including reducing the price of the Galaxy S23 Plus model from the list price of $999 to $849.99 on Amazon last week. Recently, in South Korea, the three major telecom companies nearly doubled the official subsidies for the Galaxy S23 series, increasing them up to 500,000 won.
Toji Ju, a researcher at Canalys, stated, "It is still too early to predict an overall recovery in smartphone demand," adding, "In the coming quarters, sales in the global smartphone market will improve due to inventory reductions, and the popularization of 5G and foldable phones are becoming new driving forces."
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