The global smartphone market is filled with choices, but some brands clearly lead the way. Based on shipment data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) for the third quarter of 2024 (July to September), here are the top five smartphone brands worth considering. We’ve also included popular models from each brand, using insights from our own data.
1. Samsung: Still the Market Leader Despite a Dip
Samsung continues to hold the largest share in the smartphone market. As the biggest manufacturer of Android phones, Samsung shipped 57.8 million units in Q3 2024. While this marks a slight drop from 59.5 million units in Q3 2023, it still gives the company an 18.3 percent market share.
Samsung phones are known for having a similar design across models, even in mid-range and budget categories. Their combination of solid software and hardware keeps them popular across different price segments.
2. Apple: Strong Growth Driven by iPhone 16 Series
Apple remains a major force in the premium phone segment. In Q3 2024, the company shipped 56.0 million iPhones, showing growth from the same period in 2023.
Much of this success is due to the new iPhone 16 series. These phones offer features like Camera Control, larger displays on the Pro models, faster processors, and more RAM. Apple also benefits from its tightly connected ecosystem, which encourages users to stick with the brand.
3. Xiaomi: Budget-Friendly Phones With Premium Features
Xiaomi holds the third position thanks to its strong lineup of affordable smartphones. Its devices in the entry-level and mid-range categories offer excellent value for money. However, the brand also makes high-end phones packed with powerful features.
One standout model is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. It includes a Leica-branded triple camera system, 90W fast charging, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a 120Hz LTPO display, and the new HyperOS software. Xiaomi shipped 42.8 million phones in Q3 2024, showing slight growth over the previous year.
4. OPPO and OnePlus: Solid Offline and Online Presence
OPPO, along with its sub-brand OnePlus, shipped a combined total of 28.8 million units in Q3 2024. This is an increase of 1.6 million units compared to the same quarter in 2023.
OPPO is particularly strong in offline markets in countries like India. Its flagship Find X8 series features Hasselblad cameras, a custom image processor, 100W fast charging, and a vivid 1 billion-color display.
OnePlus also continues to perform well with popular models across different price ranges. Together, the brands offer a broad mix of performance, design, and innovation.
5. Vivo: High-End Cameras and Stylish Design
Vivo completes the top five with 27 million units shipped in Q3 2024. The brand is known for its stylish designs and advanced camera capabilities.
The X200 series is a good example, offering top-tier specs and excellent camera performance. Vivo also competes well in the affordable smartphone segment. Its phones usually come with smart camera features and a solid overall experience.
Conclusion
These five brands dominate the global smartphone space, each with its unique strengths. Whether you’re looking for high-end performance, reliable software, excellent cameras, or budget-friendly devices, these companies are leading the way in 2024.
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