Samsung Retains Top Spot as Global Smartphone Shipments Grew 0.2 Percent YoY in Q1 2025: Canalys

Global smartphone shipments recorded a slight year-on-year (YoY) progress of 0.2 % for the January-March interval (Q1) in 2025, in line with a brand new report by market analysis agency Canalys. Markets together with India, Latin America, noticed notable declines in Q1 2025, whereas China and the US recorded progress. Samsung secured high spot in the primary quarter by grabbing 20 % market share. Following previous traits, Apple was in second place, adopted by Chinese smartphone manufacturers Xiaomi and Oppo in the highest 4 positions.

As per the newest Canalys analysis, the worldwide smartphone shipments touched 296.9 million models in Q1 this yr, recording simply 0.2 % YoY progress from the identical interval final yr. The progress slowed for the third consecutive quarter as distributors prioritised more healthy stock ranges.

Samsung Retains Lead With 20 Percent Market Share

Samsung maintained its lead over rival telephone makers in Q1 2025, transport 60.5 million models and capturing 20 % market share. The South Korean tech model’s progress was pushed by the discharge of the newest Samsung Galaxy S25 collection and new Galaxy A collection smartphones.

Apple secured second place with 55.0 million models shipped and a 19 % market share. The Cupertino-based firm benefited from the expansion in rising Asia Pacific markets and the United States.

Canalys Smartphone Market Pulse: Q1 2025
Photo Credit: Canalys

Xiaomi was in third place with 41.8 million models shipped and a 14 % market share. Vivo and Oppo have been fourth and fifth, transport 22.9 million and 22.7 million models, respectively. Both Chinese smartphone manufacturers had a market share of 8 %.

Canalys’ report exhibits that markets like Mainland China, the US, and Africa noticed a wholesome improve, whereas India, Europe, and the Middle East approached the market cautiously. Government subsidy programmes are mentioned to have stimulated China’s progress, whereas Africa benefited from retail actions and proactive market growth efforts.

The US smartphone market surged 12 per cent yr on yr in Q1, primarily pushed by Apple. “Apple proactively built up inventory ahead of anticipated tariff policies. While iPhones produced in Mainland China still account for the majority of US shipments, production in India ramped up toward the end of the quarter, covering standard models of the iPhone 15 and 16 series, alongside accelerating production of the 16 Pro series. With ongoing fluctuations in reciprocal tariff policies, Apple is likely to further shift US-bound production to India to reduce exposure to future risks,” mentioned Le Xuan Chiew, Research Manager at Canalys.

Xuan Chiew mentioned he expects the US market to expertise appreciable volatility over the subsequent two to 3 quarters, impacted by stock corrections and weakening shopper confidence.

“Major smartphone brands have not yet adjusted their full-year shipment targets, despite the lacklustre performance in Q1,” mentioned Toby Zhu, Principal Analyst at Canalys. He states that they’re eager for a rebound beginning Q2, with early indicators of restoration in Southeast Asia and Latin America.