According to Gartner Inc, worldwide smartphone sales in in the second quarter of 2015 totaled 330 million units. Although this was the slowest recorded growth rate in sales since 2013, the sheer scale of the numbers reflect the ubiquitous presence of smartphones in modern times.
In popular media, most discussion and debate regarding smartphones are relegated to a two-way battle between heavyweights Samsung and Apple. However, the combined market share of the two companies is 35%, meaning that there are numerous others vying for a larger share of the pie.
Our list of the top 5 largest smartphone companies in the world:
5. LG Electronics
Country of Origin: South Korea
Units sold (2014): 59.6 million
Market share (2Q15): 4.6%
Revenue (2014): $53.72 billion
Following an inspired 2014, which saw the No. 2 tech company in South Korea increase smartphone sales by 25%, LG Electronics reported a slight increase of 1% in 2Q15. Its record breaking 2014 was largely thanks to robust sales of the G3 model.
According to LG, the company plans to split its focus between premium devices as well as mid-range smartphones targeting emerging markets, similar to the aspirations of many other East Asian electronics companies aware of weaker domestic demand.
4. Huawei
Country of Origin: China
Units sold (2014): 75 million
Market share (2Q15): 8.9%
Revenue (2014): $46.5 billion
Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei’s smartphone sales rose by almost a third to $11.8 billion in 2014, continuing its ascent through its success in emerging markets such as Latin America and India. This places the company alongside LG Electronics and fellow Chinese rival Xiaomi as fast-growth challengers to the established brands.
The company has benefited from the success of its Indian subsidiary Honor, which has significantly boosted Huawei’s market share in India with its feature packed devices at low prices. There are also industry rumors that Huawei may be partnering with Google to build its upcoming Nexus phone.
3. Lenovo
Country of Origin: China
Units sold (2014): 76 million
Market share (2Q15): 4.8%
Revenue (2014): $38,707 million
The Chinese brand better known for its PC’s had a solid 2014, selling 76 million smartphones with a record breaking 18.7 million in the fourth quarter. In particular, its $2.9 billion purchase of Motorola from Google was a boost for the company, with Motorola Mobility adding around five million sales per quarter.
Although the Motorola business is still unprofitable, it has resulted in increasing Lenovo’s international presence, with Lenovo-Motorola emerging as one of the largest smartphone brands in India, and 60% of the company’s mobile phones being shipped to countries outside of China, compared to just 20% before the acquisition.
2. Apple
Country of Origin: USA
Units sold (2014): 191 million
Market share (2Q15): 14.1%
Revenue (2014): $182.8 billion
Apple had a strong 2014, with overall sales of the iPhone increasing by more than 40 million from the year prior. Although its total market share dipped slightly, the introduction of two large-screen phones for the first time, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, managed to neutralize the advantage of Android competitors.
Analysts expect Apples brisk sales to continue through 2015 driven by Chinese growth, as adoption, Apple retail expansion, and an increased appetite for premium devices should buoy its prospects.
1. Samsung
Country of Origin: South Korea
Units sold (2014): 308 million
Market share (2Q15): 21.7%
Revenue (2014): $195.88 billion
Squeezed at the high-end of the market by Apple’s successful iPhone 6 and at the low-end by numerous cheaper Chinese brands, the Korean electronics conglomerate saw its share of the total smartphone market shrink in 2014. Although it retained the #1 sales spot by a wide margin, maturing markets in the West and Asia resulted in declining sales compared to previous years.
Although Samsung’s redefined flagship models Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge had a strong start, it struggled to keep up the momentum. However, 2015 is looking to be a better year for the company as it reasserts its global leadership on the back of growing sales of lower-end models, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
