Samsung retakes the lead in Q1, but there’s bad news for other Android brands
Source: Android Authority
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Samsung has regained its lead in the global smartphone market, according to tracking firm Omdia.
- Samsung was the only Android brand in the top five to see yearly sales growth.
- HONOR wasn’t in the top five, but was the fastest‑growing manufacturer in the top ten.
Market Share Overview
Samsung surrendered its lead of the global smartphone market to Apple in Q4 2025, but the company usually retakes the lead in the following quarter. New data confirms that Samsung is back on top in Q1 2026.
- Samsung: 22 % of shipments (top manufacturer) – year‑on‑year growth +8 %.
- Apple: 20 % of shipments – year‑on‑year growth +10 %.
Omdia
Performance of Other Android Brands
All other Android manufacturers in the top five recorded yearly declines:
| Rank | Manufacturer | Share | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Xiaomi | — | ‑19 % |
| 4 | OPPO | — | ‑6 % |
| 5 | vivo | — | ‑7 % |
Xiaomi’s slide is largely attributed to the fact that over half of its shipments were sub‑$200 devices. Budget phones are more exposed to soaring component prices, as seen with the AI‑induced RAM crisis.
Fastest‑Growing Manufacturer
The fastest‑growing manufacturer in the top ten was HONOR, ranked seventh with a 19 % year‑on‑year increase. Omdia attributes this growth to expanding sales in the Middle East and Africa, despite shipment declines in HONOR’s home market.
I’m keen to see what the rest of the year holds for Xiaomi and OPPO in particular. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if OPPO passes Xiaomi for third place in the second quarter.