Samsung Reasserts Its Global Lead in Smartphone Shipments with a Renewed Focus on Lower-Cost Smartphones in the First Quarter of 2015, Says IDC

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--()--The worldwide smartphone market kicked off the year with an expected post-holiday dispersion in shipment volumes compared to the previous quarter's unprecedented results. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped a total of 336.5 million smartphones worldwide in the first quarter of 2015 (1Q15), up 16.7% from the 288.5 million units in 1Q14 but down by -10.9% from the 377.5 million units shipped in 4Q14. In the overall mobile phone market (smartphones plus feature phones), vendors shipped 458.9 million units worldwide, down a mere -0.1% from the 459.3 million units shipped in 1Q14.

"The challenge made by Apple for the top spot in the fourth quarter returned to a clear lead for Samsung in the first quarter, despite the soaring global demand for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus," said Anthony Scarsella, Research Manager with IDC's Mobile Phone team. "Samsung's shipments, given that the S6 was not launched into the market for the full quarter, were driven by large volumes into emerging markets and steady demand for its midrange and lower-priced smartphones."

"Apple's strong follow-up quarter was in itself surprising, as it enjoyed success thanks to consumers' insatiable appetite for larger screened iOS devices in many key markets, including Greater China. China's overall year-on-year market growth in the quarter flattened significantly, however, so aside from Apple, most vendors will be looking outside of China's borders for the next big push," said Melissa Chau, Senior Research Manager with IDC's Mobile Device Tracker team. "Through the rest of this year, we expect all vendors to be squeezed on falling ASPs, while at the high end it will be a battle between the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge from Samsung versus continued demand for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus."

Smartphone Vendor Highlights:

Samsung remained the overall market leader thanks to stable demand for its Galaxy S series flagship smartphones overall, as well as increased shipments of lower-end models, particularly to regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Samsung's improved streamlined portfolio of devices, including the new premium inspired A-series, proved successful in many mid-tier markets that were typically dominated by local brands. Samsung's redefined flagship (the Galaxy S 6 and S 6 edge) shipped late in the quarter giving the Korean giant a later push in terms of volume. Samsung will utilize the two new models to combat Apple as well as to help recover current declining profits heading into the next quarter.

Apple continued to find success with larger screened iPhones, which produced its strongest second quarter ever with 61.2 million units shipped. Much of the success this quarter came out of Greater China as rapid 4G adoption, Apple retail expansion, and an increased appetite for premium devices elevated the brand to new levels. Overall, the iPhone grew 40% year over year and a remarkable 63% in emerging markets.

Lenovo is once again in the top three, proving that its Motorola acquisition is paying off nicely. Lenovo has strategically positioned both brands and the coinciding models in the proper markets to maximize brand awareness and global reach. Lenovo also unveiled new premium-built handsets at CES with the P90, Vibe X2 pro, and Vibe Shot proving that it is not just focused on the low-end.

Huawei remained in the number four position with a continued push on premium devices from its P-Series and Honor portfolios. Huawei's mid-range and high-end models accounted for a third of its smartphone shipments in the first quarter, up from just 5% a year ago. Huawei's Y-series sold briskly both inside and outside of China as a valuable low-cost option in many markets.

LG regained the number five spot worldwide from Xiaomi as it once again bet big on entry-level 4G enabled devices as well as focusing on the mid-tier in North America. Its L-series and F-series portfolio succeeded in both emerging and developed markets. LG also shipped the innovative curved G Flex 2, which it showed off at CES earlier in the year. LG's diverse portfolio, with models ranging in prices, features, and design, enabled the brand to overtake Xiaomi's more limited geographic presence to hit the top five.

 

Top Five Smartphone Vendors, Shipments, Market Share and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q1 2015 Preliminary Data (Units in Millions)

Vendor  

1Q15
Shipment
Volumes

 

1Q15 Market
Share

 

1Q14
Shipment
Volumes

 

1Q14 Market
Share

 

Year-Over-
Year Change

Samsung   82 .4   24 .5%   88 .5   30 .7%   -7 .0%
Apple   61 .2   18 .2%   43 .7   15 .2%   40 .0%
Lenovo*   18 .8   5 .6%   12 .6   4 .4%   49 .2%
Huawei   17 .0   5 .0%   13 .5   4 .7%   25 .9%
LG Electronics   15 .4   4 .6%   12 .3   4 .3%   25 .3%
Others   141 .7   42 .1%   117 .8   40 .8%   20 .3%
Total   336 .5   100 .0%   288 .5   100 .0%   16 .7%
                     
Lenovo + Motorola   18 .8   5 .6%   18 .9   6 .6%   -0 .9%
 

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, April 29, 2015

Table Notes:

  • Data is preliminary and subject to change.
  • Vendor shipments are branded device shipments and exclude OEM sales for all vendors.
  • The "Vendor" represents the current parent company (or holding company) for all brands owned and operated as subsidiary.
  • * Lenovo's 1Q15 results includes shipments from its subsidiaries, including Motorola.
  • For year-over-year comparison, an extra line has been added below the table to show what Lenovo's growth would have looked like had its acquisition of Motorola been completed prior to the start of the quarter.

In addition to the table above, an interactive graphic showing worldwide unit shipments for the top 5 smartphone vendors over the previous five quarters is available here. The chart is intended for public use in online news articles and social media. Instructions on how to embed this graphic can be found by viewing this press release on IDC.com.

About IDC Trackers

IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly excel deliverables and on-line query tools. The IDC Tracker Charts app allows users to view data charts from the most recent IDC Tracker products on their iPhone and iPad. The IDC Tracker Chart app is also available for Android Phones and Android Tablets.

For more information about IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, please contact Kathy Nagamine at 650-350-6423 or knagamine@idc.com.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC.

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Contacts

International Data Corporation
Melissa Chau, +65-6829-7713
melissachau@idc.com
or
Anthony Scarsella, +1 508-935-4712
ascarsella@idc.com
or
Ryan Reith, +1 650-350-6242
rreith@idc.com
or
Michael Shirer, +1-508-935-4200
press@idc.com

Release Summary

According to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped a total of 336.5 million smartphones worldwide in the first quarter of 2015, up 16.7% over the first quarter of 2014.

Contacts

International Data Corporation
Melissa Chau, +65-6829-7713
melissachau@idc.com
or
Anthony Scarsella, +1 508-935-4712
ascarsella@idc.com
or
Ryan Reith, +1 650-350-6242
rreith@idc.com
or
Michael Shirer, +1-508-935-4200
press@idc.com