The global smartphone market demonstrated resilience in 2024, achieving a 6.4% year-over-year increase with 1.24 billion units shipped, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC). This growth marks a significant recovery following two years of decline, with the fourth quarter alone seeing a 2.4% rise to 331.7 million units.

Nabila Popal, IDC’s senior research director for Worldwide Client Devices, noted that vendors adapted strategies to drive growth by focusing on promotions, launching devices across multiple price segments, offering interest-free financing plans, and implementing aggressive trade-in programs. These efforts fueled premiumization and boosted low-end device sales, particularly in China and emerging markets.

While Apple and Samsung maintained the top two positions in both the fourth quarter and the entire year, both companies experienced year-over-year declines in market share. Chinese vendors, including Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Honor, Huawei, Lenovo, realme, Transsion, TCL, and ZTE, collectively accounted for 56% of global smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter, achieving their highest combined volume ever in a single quarter. Xiaomi secured the third position for both the quarter and the year, recording the highest year-over-year growth rate among the top five players.

Looking ahead, IDC anticipates continued growth in the smartphone market for 2025, albeit at a slower pace, as refresh cycles lengthen and pent-up demand is fulfilled. However, the potential for new and increased tariffs from the U.S. administration introduces an element of uncertainty, prompting industry players to consider preventive measures to mitigate risks.

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, January 13, 2025