According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, the global smartphone market in the first quarter of 2024 was once again dominated by two tech giants – Apple and Samsung. The top 10 best-selling smartphone models were evenly split between the two companies, with each brand securing five spots on the list. This continued dominance of Apple and Samsung underscores their stronghold on the premium smartphone segment, leaving little room for other manufacturers to break into the top ranks. The report highlights a clear trend towards high-end devices, with 7 out of the 10 best-selling smartphones priced at $600 or above.
Full List
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 15
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro
- Apple iPhone 14
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A54
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy A34
iPhone 15 Pro Max Leads the Pack
The standout performer in the first quarter of 2024 was Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, which emerged as the best-selling smartphone model globally. This is a significant milestone, as the Pro Max variant has typically led the sales charts only during Apple’s seasonal quarters.
The success of the iPhone 15 Pro Max reflects the growing consumer preference for high-end smartphones with advanced features and capabilities. In fact, Apple’s Pro line-up, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, accounted for half of the company’s total sales in Q1 2024, a significant increase from 24% in the same period in 2020.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Series Shines
While Apple dominated the top of the list, Samsung also made a strong showing with its Galaxy S24 series. The Galaxy S24 Ultra secured the fifth spot, while the base model Galaxy S24 came in at ninth place.
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Counterpoint Research attributed Samsung’s success to the early launch of the S24 series and the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) technology, which offered users unique content creation capabilities. This innovation helped the S24 series stand out in a crowded market and appeal to consumers seeking cutting-edge features.
Trend Towards Premiumization Continues
The Q1 2024 smartphone sales data also highlights a continued trend towards premiumization, with a growing number of consumers opting for high-end devices. This is evident from the fact that 7 out of the 10 best-selling smartphones were priced at $600 or above.
Counterpoint Research believes that this trend will only intensify in the coming years, as manufacturers focus on streamlining their product lines and offering more premium features, such as Generative AI. The research firm forecasts that GenAI smartphones will make up 11% of total shipments by 2024. Also, it predicts that this figure will rise to 43% by 2027.
Conclusion
The dominance of Apple and Samsung in the top 10 best-selling smartphones list is a familiar story, but it also highlights the challenges facing the broader smartphone market. Counterpoint Research notes that consumers are holding on to their devices for longer periods, leading to fewer notable upgrades and a potential slowdown in overall sales.
However, the demand for affordable and mid-range smartphones remains strong, as evidenced by the presence of models like the iPhone 14 and Samsung’s Galaxy A series in the top 10 list. This suggests that there is still room for growth in the more accessible segments of the market.
As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers adapt to the changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. The battle for dominance in the global smartphone market is far from over, and the coming years are sure to bring more surprises and innovations.
