Samsung Surges Ahead: Global Smartphone Shipments See Modest Growth in Q1 2025
Despite ongoing global conflicts posing challenges for the smartphone industry, manufacturers have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, resulting in a notable recovery. According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, global smartphone shipments grew by 1.5% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 304.9 million units.
Samsung reclaimed the top spot in global smartphone shipments, overtaking Apple. The top five smartphone vendors during this period, based on worldwide shipments, were Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo.
Samsung’s resurgence was primarily driven by the popularity of its premium Galaxy S25 series and its mid-range Galaxy A series, particularly the A36 and A56 models. These devices have made advanced AI features more accessible to a broader consumer base at affordable prices. As a result, Samsung now holds 19.9% of the global market share, with shipments reaching 60.6 million units in the first quarter alone.
IDC’s tracker compiles and analyzes data from hundreds of technology markets across more than 100 countries, providing insights into market size, vendor dynamics, and technological forecasts.
