You can say that the smartphone is a mini-computer. Almost every month, new technologies are invented and implemented in the smartphone. So, a new smartphone tech sees itself becoming old in 2-3 months.
When the smartphone industry was just a couple of years old, it had been dominated by Nokia, and companies like LG and Sony were one of the important players in the industry.
Subsequently, the big boys arrived in town, Samsung and Apple, and within decades, the two emerged as the most powerful players in the smartphone department. But while the two still dominate the industry you can find several other important players too, such as Oppo, Vivo, and Realme, having the potential to upset the tech giants in the future.
Here’s a look at the top seven smartphone manufacturers in the world in 2021 based on the research by Counterpoint Research.
- Apple
Global Smartphone Shipments Market Share in Q4 2020 (%): 21%
Global Smartphone Shipments in Q4 2020 (in Millions): 81.9
Apple’s large and loyal customer base around the world has seen it cross Samsung in Q4 of 2020 after Samsung has dominated almost every quarter since 2018. The Cupertino, California-based tech giant sold almost 82 million smartphones in the last quarter of 2020 gaining a market share of 21% which leads it into 2021 as the top smartphone manufacturer in the world.
Apple has a huge global footprint and offers products that have superior design and features, which have become more of an aspirational brand for people worldwide. Apple released its first-generation iPhone in 2007, and the most recent iPhone models are the iPhone 12 series
- Samsung
Global Smartphone Shipments Market Share in Q4 2020 (%): 16%
Global Smartphone Shipments in Q4 2020 (in Millions): 62.5
Samsung was finally ousted from the top spot by Apple after three years as the South Korean company sold 62.5 million smartphone units and earned a 16% market share in Q4 of 2020.
Samsung is a global leader in the smartphone industry, through its extensive Research & Development it consistently strives to enhance product capabilities. To suit the needs of everyone, Samsung has expanded its product portfolio from affordably priced smartphones to high-end mobile phones. Samsung is known for its Samsung Galaxy smartphone range.
- Xiaomi
Global Smartphone Shipments Market Share in Q4 2020 (%): 11%
Global Smartphone Shipments in Q4 2020 (in Millions): 43.0
Xiaomi, after always being in tight competition with Oppo for the third spot, took an almost convincing win home this time. The Chinese manufacturer sold 43 million smartphone units and earned an 11% market share.
Xiaomi’s flagship brands are the Redmi and Mi series, which have gained the trust of millions of consumers. The company, which has its presence in India, China, Brazil, Singapore, Turkey, and other Asian nations, has created its brand value as it continues to focus on innovation and the latest technology.
- Oppo
Global Smartphone Shipments Market Share in Q4 2020 (%): 9%
Global Smartphone Shipments in Q4 2020 (in Millions): 34.0
Not too far away from Xiaomi, stands Oppo. Oppo sold 34 million smartphone units and earned a 9% market share in Q4 of 2020.
Over the years, the Chinese company has launched a wide range of smartphones ranging from the low segment to targeting the affluent customer segments. Even though it is a late entrant in the industry, Oppo has created a strong brand presence through smart marketing campaigns and branding, along with high product quality.
- Vivo
Global Smartphone Shipments Market Share in Q4 2020 (%): 8%
Global Smartphone Shipments in Q4 2020 (in Millions): 33.4
Vivo gains the fifth spot in our list after selling 33.4 million smartphone units and earning an 8% market share in Q4 of 2020.
Vivo entered the mobile phone market within half a quarter of 2017 and celebrity endorsements, brilliant advertising, and sponsorships have propelled the brand to compete with top companies of the industry. Vivo is also the main sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 that gives it huge marketing and popularity within the country and the world.
- Huawei
Global Smartphone Shipments Market Share in Q4 2020 (%): 8%
Global Smartphone Shipments in Q4 2020 (in Millions): 33.0
In a very tight situation for the fifth spot, Huawei somehow took the beating from Vivo and ended up sixth after selling 33 million smartphone units and earning an 8% market share in Q4 of 2020.
Huawei has one of the best innovation centers across the globe, and in 2016, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer invested 14% of its revenue in R&D. Huawei operates in more than 170 countries across the globe and is also has its own operating system, HarmonyOS, which shows its strong potential in the mobile market.
- Realme
Global Smartphone Shipments Market Share in Q4 2020 (%): 4%
Global Smartphone Shipments in Q4 2020 (in Millions): 14.0
Realme took the last spot in our top seven list after the company sold 14 million smartphone units and earned a 4% market share in Q4 of 2020.
Realme was founded in May 2018, by Sky Li, who is currently the CEO of the company. The Chinese company is a spinoff of Oppo. It released its first phone in the month it was founded and by November 2019, the company had officially entered into 20 markets including China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
