Each quarter, reports evaluate the level of smartphone shipments for the different brands present on the market. This type of study is one of the best indicators available for knowing the trends and growth of different firms around the world. For several years, the podium had been quite stable: Samsung, with its impressive catalog, dominated the list, ahead of Apple, a solid second which year after year broke sales records with its iPhone.
But for some time now, third place has been contested. First by Huawei, the Chinese giant seeming to be the future global telephony leader beforegeopolitical questions do not cross this name off the list. Ultimately we didn't have to go very far to find Huawei's successor, Xiaomi. The other Chinese digital giant has been making record commercial breakthroughs for several quarters, and the company now seems unstoppable.
Xiaomi 2e, Apple 3e
For the first time in its history, it has just overtaken Apple, and taken second place in this ranking, during the second quarter of 2021. The Chinese company also experienced the most significant growth in the last quarter with an 83% increase in sales, while Samsung recorded a 15% increase and Apple stagnated with +1%.
In terms of market share, Samsung accounts for 19% of global smartphone sales in the second quarter of 2021, while Xiaomi takes 17% and Apple 14%. Oppo and Vivo are competing for fourth and fifth place with 10% each.
Crazy growth at Xiaomi
According to the study behind these figures, one of the main reasons for Xiaomi's growth is the more than 300% increase in sales in Latin America, coupled with 150% growth in Africa. The reason for this triple-digit growth is simple: product prices. The Chinese company offers phones 40 to 70% cheaper than its competitors, making it extremely attractive, especially in emerging countries.
In addition to this record expansion, Xiaomi is beginning to mature its development. The company is no longer very young and does not want to be “the new kid on the block”, but a strong and historic player in the sector. Even in Europe, Xiaomi is gaining market share like crazy, and the Chinese firm is seriously competing with Apple and Samsung who until now shared the cake, without worrying about the arrival of a new guest.
