IDC: Samsung takes back top spot from Huawei, Xiaomi overtakes Apple for #3 spot in Q3 2020

The smartphone industry appears to be recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to IDC’s Q3 2020 report, a total of 353.6 million smartphones have been shipped which is 27% more than the previous quarter and a 1.3% decline year-on-year.

For this quarter, we are seeing some major changes in the top 5 table as more economies around the world have started to reopen. Huawei, which became #1 in Q2 2020 with 20% market share has been overtaken by Samsung which now commands 22.7% market share in Q3 2020.

Samsung has made great progress especially in India which accounted for 15% of its total volume and the growth is mostly driven by its affordable Galaxy M series. Samsung is said to be doing well in the US with strong momentum from its Galaxy A series while enjoying good performances from its new Galaxy Note 20 lineup.

Due to decline in shipments for both China and international markets, Huawei has slide to #2 with a market share of 14.7%. There’s no denying that Huawei is badly affected by the current US restrictions. Its future in making smartphones is in limbo as it was cutoff from TSMC, which produces its high-end Kirin chips. The Chinese tech giant had recently unveiled its Mate 40 series and it is seen as the last flagship smartphone from Huawei.

Another surprising move is Xiaomi taking the #3 spot with a market share of 13.1%. IDC stated that Xiaomi’s huge gains in India and having strong presence in China had accounted to 53% of its total volume. Xiaomi is the best performer among the top 5 with a growth of 42% year-on-year.

In Q3 2020, Xiaomi commands 13.1% market share and have pushed Apple to the #4 spot which currently has a market share of 11.8%. Apple has shipped 10.6% less phones compared to Q3 2019 and this is partly due to the delay of the iPhone 12 series. Apple is expected to bounce back in Q4 2020 as the latest iPhone models are hitting the shelves internationally.

Lastly, Vivo has made a return to the top 5 list, overtaking its sister-brand Oppo in Q3 2020. Vivo has shipped more phones year-on-year and they currently command 8.9% market share.

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