Who won the smartphone race in early 2026?

Main Points

• Samsung led Q1 sales with 62.4 million shipments.
• Apple posted 4.4% year-on-year growth.
• Global smartphone shipments fell 2.9% to 293.8 million units.

Samsung retained its position as the world's largest smartphone vendor in the first quarter of 2026, narrowly edging Apple as global smartphone shipments declined amid weaker consumer demand and ongoing economic uncertainty, according to data from the IDC Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

Samsung shipped 62.4 million smartphones worldwide during the January-March period, giving it a slim lead over Apple, which shipped 61.8 million units. Together, the two companies accounted for more than 40% of all smartphones shipped globally during the quarter.

The overall smartphone market shipped 293.8 million devices, representing a 2.9% year-on-year decline, according to IDC figures.

Samsung's shipments increased 2.9% from a year earlier, supported by demand for its flagship Galaxy devices and mid-range smartphone portfolio.

Apple recorded stronger growth, with shipments rising 4.4% year-on-year, reflecting continued demand for the iPhone lineup across key markets, particularly in premium smartphone segments.

The close gap between the two companies underscores the increasingly competitive battle for leadership in the global smartphone industry.

China-based manufacturers experienced a more challenging quarter.

Xiaomi remained the third-largest smartphone vendor globally with 33.8 million shipments, though volumes fell 19.1% from a year earlier.

Oppo shipped 30.7 million devices, down 9.9%, while Vivo delivered 21.2 million units, a decline of 6.9%.

Market analysts have pointed to slowing consumer spending, longer device replacement cycles and intense competition as factors weighing on several Android manufacturers.