Xiaomi Is Now The World’s Largest Smartphone Manufacturer, Report says

A few weeks ago we reported that Xiaomi surpassed Apple to become the second largest smartphone manufacturer in the world. This reflected the analysis of the second quarter of 2021. 

Counterpoint’s Research, however, confirmed that the Chinese smartphone brand has earned the number one spot. Looking at June 2021’s review, Xiaomi seems to be in No.1 position but for the second quarter of this year, Samsung is still in first place. This is the first time that Xiaomi has become number one on the world charts. 

We will have to wait and see where the company is in the third quarter of 2021. Until the end of this quarter’s analysis, it’s possible that Samsung will retain its leading position. However, Counterpoint analysis (and analysis of other companies) proves that Xiaomi is an absolute threat to Samsung’s dominance in the market. 

Last year was really the perfect storm for Xiaomi. Samsung’s smartphone business has slowed down, Huawei is on the verge of exiting the market, and LG has pulled out completely. This leaves room for Xiaomi for significant growth and this has clearly happened, but it will be some time before Xiaomi really takes down Samsung. The company needs to be the market leader for the entire quarter and stay in that position for several quarters before anyone gets comfortable. 

Perhaps Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 will turn the situation in its favour? Or maybe Xiaomi will make more money if it launches a much cheaper phone? We can’t wait to share more updates on the outcome of this competition between Samsung and Xiaomi. 

Tracking firm, Strategy Analytics, however, reported that the Chinese brand Smartphone Company has hit the number one spot in Europe with 12.7 million units shipped or 25.3% market share in Q2 2021. The second-placed Samsung lagged with only 12 million units sold or 24% market share. It is also interesting to note that Xiaomi saw an annual growth of 67%, while Samsung experienced a decline of 7% annually.

Oppo (5.6%) and Realme (3.8%) came in fourth and fifth, respectively. Both brands are in the midst of European expansion, with Oppo growing 180% annually and Realme growing an astonishing 1800% annually. 

However, it has expanded significantly since then, and by 2020 will include France, Italy, the UK, Russia and others. So we’re basically seeing growth out of nowhere. As such it will be interesting to see what growth Realme can sustain once it becomes a more established name.