TECH

Smartphone market grows 1.5% amid tensions and Samsung regains leadership

New data released by IDC shows that the smartphone market grew by 1.5% in the first quarter of 2025, with a total of 304.9 million units hitting stores. Analysts said the results were in line with earlier forecasts, as automakers ramped up production in anticipation of the U.S. tariff announcement.

Samsung has once again taken the lead in the market, driven by the success of the Galaxy S25 line, but also of the budget Galaxy A line. Analysts point out that Apple had its best first quarter ever in the number of smartphones shipped to stores. On the other hand, its performance in China saw a decline as the Pro models of iPhones were left out of the government's subsidy program.

The first quarter of the year saw growth among major smartphone makers, particularly among Chinese brands in their home market, driven by the subsidy program launched by the Chinese government. According to IDC, Vivo recorded significant growth of 6.3%, driven by the Chinese subsidy program, but also by good performance in international markets, with a focus on basic and V series equipment.

“In the face of growing geopolitical uncertainty and the imminent threat of significant increases in US tariffs on imported goods, manufacturers have strategically accelerated their production schedules, moving forward with significant volumes of shipments, particularly to the US market,” explained Francisco Jerónimo, IDC’s vice president for EMEA, Devices, in a statement.

The increased supply, designed to mitigate potential price increases and disruptions, inflated the number of devices shipped to stores during the first quarter well above levels expected based solely on consumer demand trends, the executive said.

Specifically, the US smartphone market saw growth of over 5% despite challenges related to tariffs and trade tensions. In this case, growth was driven by consumer interest in cutting-edge models, in addition to the “urgency” to purchase equipment before a potential price increase, details the analyst and research director for the Client Devices area at IDC.

Ryan Reith, IDC's vice president for Worldwide Device Tracker, says the recent temporary exemption on import tariffs on smartphones from China has brought some "relief" to American companies. However, dependence on the Chinese supply chain remains, which could make plans difficult for companies, which are forced to make important decisions in a context of great uncertainty.

“Now the focus for American smartphone brands should be on making the most of the exemption by producing and shipping as much as possible,” says Ryan Reith. However, the manager points out that economic uncertainties could also weaken demand over the coming months.

mundophone