Smartphone growth on the up but only good news for Chinese vendors

New estimates have pinned global smartphone growth at 4% year-on-year for the second quarter, but it is the Chinese vendors who are seeing the benefits.

In total, more than 340 million smartphones were shipped across the quarter, with Samsung remaining top of the leaderboard, according to research from Canalys. Growth was relatively flat, but stood firm at 79 million units, while Apple managed to increase shipments by 2% to 41 million iPhones. While iPhone numbers are relatively modest, a launch over the next couple of months could see momentum grow into the profitable final quarter of the year.

“The smartphone market continued to grow in Q2, despite India and China both slipping into decline,” said Research Analyst Vincent Thielke. “Smartphone shipments to North America increased around 7% year on year, with Apple growing 10%. Apple outperformed Samsung despite the launch of the Galaxy S8, and growing anticipation for the next iPhone.”

These are relatively positive performances for the top two, but the success stories here are pouring out of China. Worldwide shipments of 38 million units, saw growth of 20% for Huawei, while Oppo and Xiaomi were the top performers in fourth and fifth spot, growing shipments 44% and 52% respectively.

Huawei is not far away from taking the number two spot from Apple, and while momentum is with the Chinese firm, don’t underestimate the power of the next iPhone. iCultists have proved themselves to be determined in sucking up the hype and euphoria surrounding a flagship launch. During the earnings call, Apple upped its revenue outlook for the next quarter, suggesting the flagship could be launched in September. These numbers are positive for Huawei, but the iSleepwalkers could make it a false-dawn.