A popular firm IDC known for its market research has released its report for the 4th quarter of 2018. The total number of shipments in 2018 calendar year was also included in the report. The report revealed that the total number of smartphone shipment in 2018 declined globally. But most of the top manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo increased their shipment.
Over 70.4 million units were shipped by Samsung in the fourth quarter of the year which gave them a market share of 18.7%. But if you compare that with over 74.5 million shipments that they recorded in the 4th quarter of 2017 which gave them a market share of 18.95%, you will see that their shipment declined.
Apple occupied the second position with 68.4million units shipped and a market share of 18.2%. You will still discover that Apple’s shipment also declined when compared with 77.3million with 19.6% market share that they recorded in the same quarter of 2017.
Huawei shipped lesser units than Samsung and apple. Although they recorded a growth when compared to 4Q17. They shipped 60.5million units – an increase of 18.4million when compared with the previous year. Their market share also rose from 10.7% to 16.1%
The fourth and fifth position went to OPPO and Xiaomi. They recorded 29.2million units and 28.6million units’ shipment respectively. Also, both companies saw their market share grow higher in the last quarter of 2018.
The statistic of how each company performed.
A total of 292.3 million units was shipped by Samsung last year. That made them the leader in the market. However, they shipped more units in 2017 which gave them a larger market share in 2017.
Apple shipped a total of 208.8million units with a total of 14.9% market share in 2018 to be in the second position. Huawei shipped a total of 206 million units in 2018 with a market share of 14.7% to be in the 3rd position.
Xiaomi shipped a total of 122.6million in 2018 as against the 92.7million they recorded in 2017. Their market share grew by 2.4%. That made them push OPPO and Vivo to number 5 and 6. They occupied the 4th position.
OPPO had a market share of 8.1% with a total shipment of 113.1million in 2018 recording an increase of about 1.4million units. Their market share rose from 7.6% to 8.1%. They occupied the 5th position.
A total of 1.404billion smartphones was shipped in 2018. There was a 4% decline if the figure is compared with the number of smartphones shipped in 2017. According to IDC, the major causes of the decline is; political and economic uncertainty, longer replacement cycle, increasing price and consumer frustration.
IDC encouraged manufacturers to look for a way to balance new features, compelling design and affordability. With that, the market might grow further with the introduction of 5G, that’s according to IDC.
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