Samsung Leads as Global Smartphone Shipments Grow 1.5 Percent in Q1: IDC

The worldwide smartphone market has began on a constructive observe in 2025, in accordance with a preliminary report by market analysis agency Worldwide Information Company (IDC). Worldwide smartphone shipments grew 1.5 p.c year-over-year (YoY) to 304.9 million models within the first quarter of 2025. Samsung remained the market chief, adopted by Apple. The iPhone maker clocked the perfect Q1 ever when it comes to models shipped, however its efficiency in China declined. In the meantime, Chinese language smartphone manufacturers Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have been within the high 5.

As per IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Cellular Cellphone Tracker report, international smartphone shipments surged 1.5 p.c YoY to 304.9 million models in Q1 2025. This enhance highlights strategic manufacturing changes made by smartphone corporations in response to anticipated coverage adjustments amid ongoing US-China commerce tensions.

Samsung, Apple Nonetheless Lead the Pack

Following previous traits, Samsung regained its market management with a 19.9 p.c market share and shipped 60.6 million models. The success of the Galaxy S25 collection and the most recent Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 fashions is alleged to have pushed Samsung’s development.

The report states that Apple recorded its greatest Q1 ever when it comes to models shipped (57.9 million models). It grabbed 19.0 p.c market share, registering a development of 10.0 p.c in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months. Apple’s efficiency in China declined as iPhone Professional fashions have been exempt from the Chinese language authorities subsidy program.

Xiaomi got here in third place with 13.7 p.c market share, registering 2.5 YoY development in shipments. The model shipped 41.8 million models and recorded development in China because the subsidies from the Chinese language authorities positively impacted the sale of Xiaomi’s mid-range units.

Oppo retained fourth place with 7.7 p.c market share, however the firm’s shipments declined within the worldwide markets. Vivo got here at fifth place with 7.4 p.c market share and 6.3 YoY development pushed by the robust demand for low-end units and the V collection.

IDC says the earlier quarter witnessed development globally amongst main smartphone distributors, particularly Chinese language manufacturers of their home market. This uptick was backed by authorities subsidies launched final 12 months and prolonged to smartphones in January 2025. The subsidy programme focuses on units priced below CNY 6,000 (roughly Rs. 70,000), which covers nearly all of choices from Chinese language producers.

Dependence on China’s provide chain stays robust regardless of continued tariff fluctuations, complicating long-term planning and forcing many corporations to make important choices below important uncertainty, opined Ryan Reith, Group Vice President, worldwide gadget trackers, IDC. “Proper now, the main target for US smartphone manufacturers needs to be benefiting from the exemption by constructing and delivery as a lot as attainable. The opposite aspect of this equation is the chance that financial uncertainty might dampen shopper demand within the coming months.”