Samsung Reclaims Global Smartphone Market Supremacy
Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) has regained its status as the leader in the global smartphone market, overtaking Apple, a position it relinquished last year. This resurgence is largely attributed to the stellar performance of its Galaxy S26 series.
On Monday, market research firm Omdia revealed that in the first quarter of this year, Samsung Electronics captured an impressive 22% of the global smartphone market share through shipments, surpassing Apple’s 20%. This marks a triumphant return to the forefront of the industry for Samsung.
Analysts ascribe this resurgence to the successful introduction of new products, even as the industry contends with challenges such as soaring semiconductor prices that have undermined price competitiveness.
Omdia commented, “Samsung regained its leading position despite delays in the launch schedule for its mid-range models, buoyed by substantial demand for premium devices and impressive pre-order figures for the Galaxy S26.”
Omdia estimated that pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 surged over 10% compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25. Furthermore, domestic pre-orders achieved a historic milestone of 1.35 million units.
Nevertheless, Apple has held firm, maintaining a market share that closely trails Samsung’s, largely due to the recent launch of the budget iPhone 17e and sustained sales of the prior iPhone 17, without a flagship new offering in the initial quarter.
A separate report from Counterpoint Research showed Apple leading the first quarter with a 21% share against Samsung’s 20%.
The anticipated competition in foldable phones during the latter half of the year is poised to be the critical arena influencing this year’s market trends.
Reports suggest that Samsung is readying the Galaxy Z Wide Fold, which will feature a screen larger than its existing models, while Apple is rumored to be developing its inaugural foldable device within the iPhone lineup.
Chinese manufacturers, including Xiaomi (11%), Oppo (10%), and Vivo (7%), have all experienced a downturn in their market shares.
Historically differentiated by budget and mid-range offerings, these companies are now grappling with diminishing price competitiveness as semiconductor costs have escalated.
Omdia noted that mobile DRAM and NAND prices jumped by 90% in the first quarter compared to the preceding quarter, with an anticipated further rise of 30% in the second quarter.
Overall, the smartphone market expanded by 1% in the first quarter relative to the same period last year. However, projections indicate a potential downturn of approximately 15% for the full year, owing to rising costs and macroeconomic uncertainties.
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