Gartner: Global smartphone sales totaled 328.8 million units in Q2 2021, up 10.8% year-on-year

Despite the impact of the new crown, production disruptions and parts shortages, and supply chain constraints, according to Gartner data, global smartphone sales totaled 328.8 million units in the second quarter of 2021, a year-on-year increase of 10.8%.

"A strong start to 2021 negatively impacted smartphone sales in the second quarter due to the second wave of the coronavirus, enhanced quarantine measures and factory shutdowns in India and Vietnam, retail business closures and online delivery restrictions," said Anshul Gupta, senior research director at Gartner. "However, strong demand for 5G smartphones in regions with high 5G penetration rates became a growth driver for leading smartphone vendors."

In the second quarter of 2021, Samsung expanded its 5G smartphone lineup at entry-level and mid-range prices to capture growth opportunities in the 5G segment. The company maintained its first position among the top five smartphone vendors in the world. Although Samsung remains the market leader, its year-on-year growth slowed due to supply constraints and production disruptions.

Xiaomi's smartphone sales surpassed Apple in the second quarter, ranking second for the first time. Xiaomi's smartphone sales increased by 80.5%, mainly due to investments in retail channels and cooperation with communication service providers (CSPs). Xiaomi has a stronger influence and advantage in global markets outside the Asia-Pacific region.

Apple's sales increased 28.3% year-on-year and its market share increased 2.1% year-on-year. Gupta added: "While demand for iPhone 12 series smartphones remained strong in key 5G-driven markets, aggressive promotions for the iPhone 11 series boosted its growth in price-sensitive segments."

Chinese smartphone vendors OPPO and Vivo grew 42.4% and 41.6%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2021. OPPO's growth was driven by mid-range smartphone pricing, a wider distribution network, and strong marketing campaigns in Western Europe. Vivo will continue to expand its market share outside of Asia Pacific, with a focus on Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).