For the first time, Chinese brand Xiaomi outshone Samsung and Apple to lead the global smartphone market in June. As per the latest data from Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi controlled 17.1 percent market share to take the numero uno position. Samsung slid down to the second spot with a 15.7 percent share followed by Apple at 14.3 percent.
Counterpoint's analyst, Varun Mishra, attributed Samsung's decline to its production woes triggered by a fresh wave of COVID-19 cases in its key manufacturing hub Vietnam. This lead to inventory shortages in Samsung's distribution network. On the other hand, Xiaomi enjoyed a sales boost during the 618 shopping festival in China. It filled in the void left by Samsung's budget and mid-range handsets. Xiaomi also made the best of the opportunity presented by Huawei's sharp decline caused by the US restrictions.
The news comes hot on the heels of reports from Korea that questioned whether Samsung will manage to retain its global dominance in the smartphone market. It seems the grim picture painted by the South Korean analysts is now getting backed up by the ground realities. The local media also highlighted how the sales of Samsung's latest flagship phones are dwindling.
While Samsung has been beaten by Xiaomi for the month of June, it is too early to write off the South Korean giant. It can soon bounce back once the COVID-19 situation improves. However, if Vietnam's COVID-19 recovery gets delayed, Xiaomi will get to retain its top position for the next few months.
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