Top 5 Smartphone Companies Based on Total Shipments in 2023

The smartphone market witnessed a significant shift in 2023, with Apple securing the top spot in total shipments, breaking Samsung's decade-long dominance.

This transformative moment, highlighted by a surge in Apple's market share, signals a broader trend of recovery in the global smartphone market after facing challenges earlier in the year.

Global Smartphone Market Overview

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, the global smartphone market experienced a 3.2% decline in shipments, reaching 1.17 billion units in 2023. However, a promising recovery emerged in the second half of the year, with the fourth quarter (4Q23) witnessing an impressive 8.5% year-over-year growth, surpassing the initial forecast of 7.3% growth.

Apple's Remarkable Rise to Number 1

Apple's success in 2023 is remarkable, considering the increased regulatory challenges and resurgent competition from Huawei in China, its largest market. Nabila Popal, research director with IDC's Worldwide Tracker team, notes that Apple not only exhibited positive annual growth but also secured the number one spot for the first time ever. This achievement can be attributed to Apple's resilience and success in the premium device segment, which now represents over 20% of the market.

Intensifying Competition

Ryan Reith, Group Vice President with IDC's Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, points out that while Apple played a role in Samsung's decline in rank, the Android space is diversifying within itself. Noteworthy players like Huawei are making swift inroads in China, and brands such as OnePlus, Honor, Google, and others are launching competitive devices in the lower price range of the high-end market.

The Top 5 Companies in Q4 2023

Here is a breakdown of the top 5 smartphone companies based on total shipments, market share, and year-over-year growth in the fourth quarter of 2023:

1. Apple

4Q23 Shipments: 80.5 million units

Market Share: 24.7%

Growth: 11.6%

2. Samsung

4Q23 Shipments: 53.0 million units

Market Share: 16.3%

Growth: -10.9%

3. Xiaomi

4Q23 Shipments: 40.7 million units

Market Share: 12.5%

Growth: 22.7%

4, Transsion

4Q23 Shipments: 28.2 million units

Market Share: 8.6%

Growth: 68.6%

5. vivo

4Q23 Shipments: 24.1 million units

Market Share: 7.4%

Growth: 5.1%

Annual Performance for 2023

The annual results for 2023 reinforce Apple's dominance in the market. It is important to take note, however, of Transsion's remarkable year-on-year growth rate of 30.8%, which trumps that of all other companies in this list.

Transsion is the company behind TECNO, Infinix, and itel, which have massively grown in popularity and sales here in the Philippines within the past two years.

1. Apple

2023 Shipments: 234.6 million units

Market Share: 20.1%

Growth: 3.7%

2. Samsung

2023 Shipments: 226.6 million units

Market Share: 19.4%

Growth: -13.6%

3. Xiaomi

2023 Shipments: 145.9 million units

Market Share: 12.5%

Growth: -4.7%

4. OPPO

2023 Shipments: 103.1 million units

Market Share: 8.8%

Growth: -9.9%

5. Transsion

2023 Shipments: 94.9 million units

Market Share: 8.1%

Growth: 30.8%

The smartphone market's dynamic landscape in 2023, marked by Apple's ascendancy, intensified competition, and a resilient recovery, sets the stage for an intriguing future. As the industry explores foldables and delves into discussions around AI capabilities, the smartphone space is poised for a captivating journey ahead.