IDC calculated that smartphone sales worldwide increased by 6.4% to 1.24 billion units last year.
Despite the fact that the growth exceeded 6% for the year, in the fourth quarter, the market grew by only 2.4%, to 331.7 million devices. In general, smartphone sales worldwide have been increasing for six consecutive quarters. IDC analysts note that market growth in 2024 was not thanks to, but in spite of - against the backdrop of ongoing macroeconomic problems, concerns about currency rates in emerging markets, as well as continued inflation growth. But vendors successfully adjusted their strategies, stimulating growth by conducting promotions, offering devices in various price categories, offering installments, and promoting trade-ins. It was separately noted that the threat of tariff increases from the new US administration has increased uncertainty in the industry. As for vendors, Apple took the lead in 2024, selling 232.1 million smartphones (18.7% of the market). Samsung came in second (223.4 million devices, 18%). Xiaomi took an honorable third place (168.5 million units, 13.6%). Transsion and OPPO shared fourth place.
But not all analytical companies got the same value of global smartphone sales growth. For example, according to preliminary data from the research company Counterpoint Research, global smartphone sales increased by only 4% in 2024 after two years of decline in a row.
According to Couterpoint, in 2024, sales of ultra-premium smartphones priced above $1,000 grew the fastest. In 2025, revenue growth will continue to outpace volume growth: revenue will increase by 8%, and sales volume - by 4%, the company suggests.
But of all the analytical companies, another company showed the highest growth in global smartphone sales. According to the latest study by Canalys, this growth amounted to 7%. It is clear that each company had its own calculation methods...
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