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Samsung, Huawei Lead Smartphone Shipments Decline for the Fourth Consecutive Quarter

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The preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker shows that smartphone vendors shipped a total of 355.2 million units during the third quarter of 2018 (3Q18), resulting in a year-over-year decline of 6.0%.

 

This was the fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year declines for the global smartphone market, which raises questions about the market’s future.

 

IDC maintains its view that the market will return to growth in 2019, but at this stage it is too early to tell what that growth will look like.

 

While the overall smartphone market has declined for four straight quarters, two things stand out as major factors in the third quarter.

 

Samsung, the largest smartphone vendor in terms of market share, accounting for 20.3% of shipments in 3Q18, declined 13.4% year over year in the quarter.

 

And secondly, China, which is the largest country market for smartphone consumption, accounting for roughly one third of global shipments, was down as well for the sixth consecutive quarter.

 

Samsung had a challenging quarter with shipments down 13.4% to 72.2 million units shipped.

 

The market share leader continues to feel pressure from all directions, especially with Huawei inching closer to the top after its second consecutive quarter as the number two vendor.

 

In addition, growing markets like India and Indonesia, where Samsung has held leading positions for many years, are being changed by the rapid growth of Chinese brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo.

 

Meanwhile, China’s domestic market, which represents roughly one third of all smartphones consumed, has been in decline since the second quarter of 2017, and 3Q18 was the sixth consecutive quarter where the market sees contraction.

 

China was down 11% in the first half of 2018 (1H18), and the challenges continued into 3Q18.

 

Overall IDC expects this decline to decelerate with the market returning to flat growth in 2019.

 

Ryan Reith, program vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, said “China’s domestic market continues to be challenged as overall consumer spending around smartphones has been down,”

 

“High penetration levels, mixed with some challenging economic times, has slowed the world’s largest smartphone market.

 

“Despite this, we believe this market will begin to recover in 2019 and beyond, driven in the short term by a large, built up refresh cycle across all segments, and in the outer years of the forecast supported by 5G migration.”

 

Anthony Scarsella, research manager with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, said “The race at the top of the market continues to be a heated one as Huawei once again slipped past Apple to the second position,”

 

“Although Huawei may have beat out Apple in Q3, the holiday quarter could have Apple as the market leader thanks to the launch of three new bezel-less devices.

 

“No matter who leads in the overall market the holiday quarter should be an exciting one with a wide selection of new flagship devices available.

 

“With the new iPhones, Mate 20, Pixel 3, V40, Note 9, and OnePlus 6T, we can expect consumers will have a plethora of options when upgrade time approaches.

 

“The vast selection of high-priced handsets should move ASPs in a positive direction come next quarter.”

 

Smartphone Company highlights shows that Samsung had a very challenging quarter with smartphone shipments down 13.4% from 3Q17, with overall volumes of 72.2 million.

 

While this was still enough to maintain the top market share position, the company does continue to lose share.

 

The launch of the Galaxy Note 9 was successful and the device continues to build in shipments.

 

However, Samsung’s bigger challenge is the ground they are losing at the mid-range and low-end.

 

Recent announcements of revamping the product portfolio to bring new features and awareness to non-flagship models could possibly help this slide.

 

Samsung will most likely look to new A-Series devices to fill the gaps left in the mid-tier across numerous markets.

 

Huawei landed in the number two position for the second straight quarter. While its share was down slightly from last quarter’s 15.9%, overall the company should be pleased with shipping 52.0 million handsets and grabbing 14.6% of the overall market.

 

From a product perspective, its P-series and recent update to its Mate-series are keeping it as competitive as ever at the top of the market.

 

And its Honor brand, which is primarily marketed toward a younger audience and online sales, has continued to do well in many markets.

 

Apple’s newest iPhones helped push third quarter shipments to 46.9 million units, up 0.5% from the 46.7 million units last year.

 

Apple once again launched three new devices at its Fall event, as the new 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max and 5.8-inch iPhone XS were joined by the more affordable iPhone XR in the Apple line-up.

 

The new XS Max and XS continue off the success from last year’s iPhone X but bring a new screen size option with more power and increased performance to the table.

 

And Apple has once again improved the camera, upped the storage, and added a new faster processor via the A12 Bionic chip, which is the first 7-nanometer chip for Apple.

 

Older iPhones, such as the 6S, 7, and 8, all received price cuts late in the quarter, which will balance the iPhone portfolio across all price tiers for the holiday quarter.

 

The older SE and iPhone X from last year have been dropped from the Apple line-up. The fourth quarter will include shipments for the vastly popular iPhone XR, which have not been counted in IDC’s Q3 figures.

 

Xiaomi once again grew its share to a new company high capturing 9.7% of all smartphones shipped worldwide in 3Q18.

 

Xiaomi continues its global expansion with market share gains in countries where it has been growing it presence, including India and Indonesia, and making headway into European markets like Spain where it continues to cause disruption.

 

Its Redmi 5A, Redmi 5 Plus, and Redmi Note 5 have continued to do well, with the newer Redmi 6/A/Pro successors ramping up quickly.

 

OPPO like Samsung saw shipments decline year over year, although on a much smaller scale.

 

Despite that, OPPO remained the number 5 vendor in terms of market share with 29.9 million shipments in 3Q18, down 2.1% from a year ago.

 

Like a few of its competitors that continue to climb the smartphone ladder, OPPO is beginning to gain global attention for some of its newer flagship devices that have come with highly marketed launch events.

 

Designs on the Find X and R17 products are raising the bar for OPPO, and in return they are continuing to see their user ASPs increase.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Stakeholders to Brainstorm on Implementation of CNII Bill & Sustainability @ALTON/NITRA Forum

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As the telecom industry grapples with the challenge of how to secure its infrastructure and ensure that investments in the telecoms space are protected, following the recent Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) status granted it by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) has called for an all-stakeholder approach.

NITRA, the umbrella Association for technology reporters in Nigeria, in a statement announcing a joint-industry forum, being organized in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), noted that mere declaration of the CNII order cannot solely guarantee infrastructure safety except certain internal and standardisation issues are first resolved by operators, further disclosed that the forum will bring stakeholders together to address pertinent issues and questions begging for answers.

Scheduled to hold at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the event, tagged “Industry Sustainability And CNII Conference 2025 – Way Forward” will gather stakeholders to discuss the practical way forward, noting that passage of the Bill along will not achieve desired results.

According to the organisers, questions that stakeholders will provide answers to at the event include:

Ø  How do we ensure that this law is implemented to the letter?

Ø  Are there areas worth looking into once more, or is the Bill perfect as it is?

Ø  What are the roles of each stakeholder in the industry – Federal, States, Operators, Consumers, and other actors?

Ø  Are individual telecom companies and service providers keying into the CNNI provisions, and how?

Ø  What are the roles of regulators in ensuring public compliance to the Bill?

Ø  How do we ensure security?

Ø  What is the place of collaboration?

Ø  Publicity: how much of the CNII provisions are the public aware of?

Ø  How can we sustain the growth and development of telecommunications in Nigeria?

The Panel Discussion sessions will look into some of the questions arising from industry sustainability and CNII implementation.

Expected at the event are the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, network operators, security agencies, regulators, the media, infrastructure companies and decision makers in private and public firms, among other guests.

According to a statement from NITRA, “It is a known fact that the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is crucial to the survivability of a nation, and that the destruction or disruption of these systems and communication networks would significantly affect the economic strength, image, defense and security, government capabilities to function, and public health and safety.”

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, had in a forum stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and tech-upgraded installation to prevent vandalism and theft.

He highlighted the widespread issue of stolen manhole covers, fibre cables and poles; community resistance to infrastructure projects; unauthorised installation of infrastructure without government approval; malicious destruction of telecom infrastructure; among other challenges to be curbed.

Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, spoke of the importance of the Industry Sustainability and CNII Conference, noting that industry stakeholders need to come around a table to broker an understanding on how to secure telecom infrastructure, standing on FG’s proclamation of CNII.

He noted that with the CNII Bill in place, stakeholders will have to formulate measures to take to implement the provisions of the Bill and enforce compliance. These he disclosed, will be the outcome of the forum to be held in Lagos.

According to the General Secretary of NITRA, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, the forum, which will have other industry Associations also make their inputs, will afford the public opportunity to share their thoughts, especially as it regards the security of infrastructure in their localities.


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Starlink Resumes Customer Activations Across Nigeria

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Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has restarted fresh activations for Nigerian customers, following months of regulatory suspension and subsequent infrastructure upgrades.

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) had halted new residential orders in November 2024 pending regulatory approvals, leaving thousands of potential users unable to complete purchases and onboarding.

According to a statement, the company has now expanded its network capacity and resumed full activation services, particularly targeting high-demand zones such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

“This is a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide and revolutionising connectivity across the nation,” a leading internet service provider said in an official communication to Saturday PUNCH.

In support of the rollout, Konga—Starlink’s largest authorised distributor in Nigeria—announced that it is offering free nationwide delivery of Starlink kits. Customers can order online or walk into any retail outlet in key cities including Asaba, Owerri, Uyo, Warri, Ibadan, and Kano.

Industry analysts say the resumption of Starlink activations is a boost to Nigeria’s efforts in expanding access to fast, stable internet—especially in areas where traditional infrastructure is either unreliable or unavailable.

The upgraded system is expected to deliver enhanced bandwidth, improved speeds, and greater reliability for residential and commercial users, further supporting remote work, e-learning, and digital innovation across the country.


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V-Malaysia 2025: QNET Strengthens Global Network with Landmark 5-Day Event

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QNET, leading global wellness and lifestyle direct-selling company, has successfully concluded V-Malaysia 2025, its flagship annual convention, at the Penang SPICE Convention Centre in Malaysia. Held from 21–25 June, the five-day event drew over 8,000 participants from more than 30 countries, including Nigeria, reinforcing the company’s global reach and strong foothold in the African market.

For over a decade, QNET has chosen Penang as the destination for this transformative event, which blends business networking, entrepreneurial development, and immersive personal growth experiences.

The 2025 edition underscores the continued collaboration between QNET, its event partner V Global Management (The V), Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and its state-level affiliate, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).

In Nigeria, QNET has steadily gained recognition as a key player in the direct selling and wellness space, empowering thousands of Nigerians with entrepreneurial opportunities, health-conscious products, and financial education.

Through its innovative business model, QNET has fostered a growing community of independent distributors across states like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Events such as V-Malaysia provide distributors a platform to connect with the global QNET network, learn from top leaders, and gain exposure to cutting-edge tools and products that can be leveraged in their local businesses.

V-Malaysia has evolved into a premier platform for business networking, entrepreneurial development, and cross-cultural collaboration. The synergy between QNET and The V — an internationally recognised organisation specialising in large-scale training and events has been pivotal in building the convention’s global draw.

YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACH), emphasised the regional impact of V-Malaysia: “Penang’s vibrant tourism and business events ecosystem continues to attract top-tier events like QNET’s V-Malaysia.

In 2024 alone, Penang recorded an estimated RM1.29 billion in economic impact from such events – a testament to their significance. QNET’s long-term commitment brings not only economic value but also strengthens Penang’s global reputation.”

Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, added: “For QNET, Penang is more than just a venue; it’s a home for inspiration, collaboration, and transformation.

“Our strong base in Nigeria and across Africa makes this event especially meaningful, as we bring together entrepreneurs from across the continent to share ideas and build cross-border relationships that accelerate personal and economic growth.”

The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), a government agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and parent body of PCEB, plays a pivotal role in Malaysia’s business events ecosystem. In 2023 alone, MyCEB facilitated 248 business events, brought in over 180,700 international delegates, and generated about RM 2.8 billion in economic impact.

For V-Malaysia 2025, MyCEB’s expertise in destination marketing, strategic facilitation, and coordination between federal and state levels (through PCEB) has been instrumental in elevating Penang’s standing as a premier MICE hub.

Complementing this effort is Tourism Malaysia, whose targeted incentives and logistical backing helped deliver V-Malaysia 2025 as a high-impact global event. Their support underscores the government’s broader commitment to positioning Malaysia as a top-tier host for international conferences and high-impact corporate events.

As part of the event’s activities, QNET also unveiled new wellness innovations, including Harmoniq, a bio-signaling patch designed to enhance energy and well-being, and QWIK, a line of oral health and nutrition strips — products set to expand into markets like Nigeria in the coming year.

V-Malaysia 2025 is not just a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship; it is a dynamic platform that exemplifies how global vision and local action, especially across Africa, can reshape the future of direct selling. For more information about V-Malaysia 2025, please visit QNET’s official website.


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