Canalys says phone sales increased by 27% last quarter

Apr 29, 2021 19:07 GMT  ·  By

New research published by Canalys reveals that phone sales worldwide increase by no less than 27 percent in the first quarter of 2021, once again with Samsung securing the leading spot.

According to the firm, phone makers worldwide shipped a total of 347 million units, with Samsung alone accounting for no less than 76.5 million devices, or 22 percent.

Apple was the runner-up company in the charts with 15 percent, but this is mostly thanks to iPhone 12 and iPhone 12. One particular exception, however, is the iPhone 12 mini, which is said to be selling below expectations.

People familiar with the matter said earlier this year that Apple considered giving up on the iPhone 12 mini completely this year, though it now looks like the device would stick around for at least one more year. However, the iPhone mini is still expected to get the ax next year when it’d be replaced by a new 6.1-inch iPhone.

The Huawei collapse

“In addition to great product value, Xiaomi is now also making strides to recruit local talent, become more channel-friendly and lead in high-end innovation, as seen with the Mi 11 Ultra and its recent foldable, the Mi Mix Fold," Canalys Research Manager Ben Stanton explains in the research.

"Its competitors offer superior channel margin, but Xiaomi’s sheer volume actually gives distributors a better opportunity to make money than rival brands. But the race is not over. Oppo and Vivo are hot on its heels, and are positioning in the mid-range in many regions to box Xiaomi in at the low end. Honor is also a looming threat. It has already struck supply chain deals and is now signing distribution agreements to re-enter several markets in the second half of 2021. Xiaomi is leading the pack, but the race has only just started.”

Huawei is only number seven in the charts, as the company still struggles to deal with the U.S. sanctions and the lack of Google apps on its devices.