Samsung Regains Global Smartphone Shipments Top Rank in 3Q2015

Samsung once again remained the overall leader in the worldwide smartphone market with 84.5 million units shipped, up 6.1% from last year, as smartphone shipments reach second highest level for a single quarter as worldwide volumes reach 355.2 million in the third quarter, according to International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

The IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker shows that vendors shipped a total of 355.2 million smartphones worldwide in the third quarter of 2015 (3Q15), up 6.8% from the 332.6 million units in 3Q14, marking the second highest quarter of shipments on record.

The 3Q15 shipments were slightly below IDC's previous forecast of 363.8 million units, largely due to slightly lower than expected iPhone shipments, as well as Android flagship introductions from several top-tier OEMs with price points outside the consumer sweet spot.

"The vendor landscape and product offerings are really unique at the moment as many markets are seeing consumers become more aware of alternative buying options when it comes to paying for their smartphone," said Ryan Reith, Program Director with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. "In mature and subsidized markets, we now have a wide range of operators offering equipment installation plans (EIP), as well as early trade-in options. At the same time the number of unlocked/off-contract offerings has increased significantly and it's slowly starting to resonate with consumers. Within these markets these moves will put pressure directly on Android OEMs with offerings that are greater than $500."

"The third quarter placed a substantial emphasis on flagship devices as vendors tried to outclass each other in both features and design," said Anthony Scarsella, Research Manager, Mobile Phones.

"New flagship models translated to fiercer competition at the high-end for most players as many will try to challenge both Samsung and Apple for a place among the elite. However, despite the glitz and glamour at the high-end, we still expect the bulk of volume and growth to once again sprout from low to mid-range handsets, particularly in emerging markets."