The popularity of the Xiaomi brand is constantly growing. The purely internet company is gradually becoming a global technology giant with thousands of brick-and-mortar stores around the world. The company's growth is also confirmed by fresh results from the well-known analytical company IDC, which deals with market research.
Samsung and Apple were down
IDC released the results of smartphone deliveries for the fourth quarter of 2018, as well as a complete evaluation of last year. Total worldwide deliveries of smartphones decreased by 4,9%, but Xiaomi, Huawei and Oppo saw an increase in their own deliveries.
Vice versa, Samsung and Apple recorded a significant year-on-year decline. In the case of Samsung, year-on-year deliveries fell by up to 8%, and to the American Apple by 3,2%. However, they still hold the leading positions and the largest representation on the market. Samsung is in first place with 292 million delivered smartphones, Apple with 208,8 million in second place.
Xiaomi grew and confirmed the 4th place
The third place belongs to the manufacturer Huawei, which in 2018 supplied 206 million smartphones. Compared to 2017, this represents an increase of up to 33,6%. The fourth place was also confirmed in 2018 by Xiaomi, who added 122 million smartphones with year-on-year increase by a very decent 32,2%. Xiaomi smartphones currently make up 8,7% market share.
Chinese Oppo remains in fifth place with 113 million smartphones sold. Oppo brand deliveries increased by 1,3%. In total, it was delivered in 2018 1,4 billion smartphones. IDC cites longer claim cycles, political and economic uncertainty, rising prices and consumer frustration as part of the reasons for the decline in growth.
At the same time, they have a recommendation for manufacturers. It encourages manufacturers to find a balance between new features, compelling design and affordability. The company also believes that the advent of 5G and folding smartphones can breathe new life into the industry.