Samsung smartphones hold the top spot in market share in 42 countries in 2023 compared to 46 in 2022.
Samsung smartphonesa division of the company Samsung Electronics, faced an intense race with competition worldwide in 2023. It is estimated that there will be a decrease in the number of countries where it retains the leading market share compared to 2022. Despite this, they took the top spot in big countries like India and Malaysia.
Referring to data from research by Counterpoint, Digitimes indicated that, among the 74 countries surveyed, Samsung smartphones are estimated to retain the leading market share in 42 countries in 2023, down from 46 in 2022.
In 2023, Samsung is expected to relinquish its position as the market share leader in six countries: the Philippines, Algeria, Kuwait, Ghana, Bulgaria and Venezuela. Especially the Philippines is one of the key markets for Samsung and for a long time it jealously guarded the first place. However, the popularity of the C55 model of the Chinese manufacturer Realme, which was released in the first half of 2023, suppressed the market of Samsung. This can potentially lead to Apple takes first place in that market in terms of market share.
My iPhone 14 Pro series, Apple is experiencing continuous growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and is expected to secure first place in the Kuwaiti market by the end of this year. The Chinese manufacturer Transsion has been active in Africa for a long time. Its subsidiary brand Tecno continues to expand its market share in Algeria and intends to replace Samsung.
Counterpoint researchHowever, Samsung also regained leading market share in two more countries. In particular, Samsung has successfully regained the top spot in the huge Indian market, replacing Xiaomi. This success was achieved through a diverse strategy, which includes Galaxy A seriesthe Galaxy F series launched in collaboration with local retailer Flipkart, the Galaxy M series launched with Amazon, as well as the increased popularity of premium models such as the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series.
Samsung smartphones have added the Galaxy S23 FE to their portfolio
Industry sources indicated that while the Indian market has traditionally focused on mid-range and low-end smartphones, there has been an increased focus on high-end phones in recent years, which has helped Samsung deliver volume and profitability. Samsung even introduced a model Galaxy S23 FE at the beginning of October 2023, in the hope that their new product will soon bring good sales results.
Additionally, the global smartphone market, which has been in sluggish growth for the past two years, is beginning to show signs of recovery. In October 2023, global smartphone sales rose 5% year-on-year for the first time since June 2021.
The main momentum comes from growing markets such as the Middle East, Africa and India, as well as returns Huaweija to the Chinese market. Market recovery is relatively slower in regions with higher smartphone penetration – Europe and the United States.
Counterpoint Research further predicts that the smartphone market will experience annual growth in the fourth quarter of 2023 and continue to recover in the future.