Omdia: Global smartphone shipments grew by 1% in Q1, fueled by supply side push | Infinium-tech

Despite the ongoing memory chip crisis, Omdiya Global smartphone shipments for Q1 recorded a growth of 1%. Total shipments during the first three months of the year reached 298.5 million units, driven by vendor front-loading. This occurs when smartphone companies strategically increase inventory volumes in anticipation of rising component costs.

Samsung regained the title of world’s number one smartphone brand thanks to 65.4 million shipments in this period, which represents an increase of 8% compared to the same period last year. The Galaxy S26 series is seeing strong demand, and the recently launched Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 are also major contributors to Samsung’s 22% market share.

Apple was the second leading brand in the period with 60.4 million shipments (up 10% YoY), controlling an estimated 20% of the global market. Demand for the iPhone 17 series remains strong, and the report also highlights higher-than-anticipated user interest for the iPhone 17e across Europe and Japan. The flagship iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also outperformed their predecessors with an impressive 42% increase in demand across China.

Xiaomi (including Redmi and Poco) came in third with 33.8 million shipments and 11% market share, but it also experienced the largest annual decline in shipments (-19%) among the top five. Rising component costs have effectively squeezed Xiaomi’s margins.

Oppo (including OnePlus and Realme) came in fourth place with 30.7 million shipments and 10% market share, while Vivo came in fifth with 21.3 million shipments and 7% market share.

Looking ahead, Omdia analysts predict turbulent times with a period of adjustment after sellers stress the supply side. Increased channel inventory and generally weak consumer demand will be the key factors shaping the global smartphone market in the second half of 2026.

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