The Canalys data agency today published its global mobile phone market report for the first quarter of 2022. Due to poor economic conditions, global smartphone shipments fell by 11%. Samsung has beaten Apple to regain the number one market share, Xiaomi continues to only the third.
Global smartphone shipments fell by 11% in the first quarter of 2022 due to adverse economic conditions and seasonally low demand. Samsung leads the market with 24 percent share, compared to 19 percent in Q4 2021, as suppliers refine their product portfolio in 2022. Apple finished in second place with solid first quarter results, driven by growing demand for its iPhone 13 product line. Xiaomi remains in third place thanks to the excellent performance of its Redmi Note series. OPPO (including OnePlus) and vivo rounded out the top five with 10 and 8 percent share, respectively.
Sanyam Chaurasia, analyst at Canalys
"Despite the looming uncertainty in global markets, leading manufacturers have accelerated their growth by expanding their asset portfolios by 2022," said Sanyam Chaurasia, analyst at Canalys. "While the iPhone 13 series continues to meet consumer demand, the new iPhone SE, launched in March, is an important mid-range driver for Apple. With a similar price point to its predecessor, it offers an improved chipset and better battery performance, and adds the 5G connectivity that carrier channels require. At the same time, Samsung has ramped up production of its popular A series to compete aggressively in the mid-range and low-end segments, while also refreshing its 2022 portfolio, including the flagship Galaxy S22 series. While Chinese suppliers continue to face low supply constraints..."
Canalys Vice President for Mobility, Nicole Peng
"The global smartphone market was held back by the unsettled business environment in the first quarter," said Canalys' Vice President of Mobility, Nicole Peng. "Markets have seen a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. Although minimal hospitalisation and high vaccination rates have helped to quickly normalise consumer activity. Suppliers must be prepared to respond quickly to emerging opportunities and risks while focusing on their long-term strategic plans. The good news is that painful parts shortages may improve sooner than expected, which should help ease cost pressures."
