Apple and Samsung are neck-and-neck in global smartphone sales with Xiaomi gaining

Global smartphone sales rebounded in 2024 after two years of decline, showing growth according to multiple market research firms. Chinese brands, particularly Xiaomi and Vivo, fueled much of this growth. Apple and Samsung remained the top contenders, though their rankings varied slightly depending on the reporting firm. Xiaomi experienced the fastest growth among major manufacturers, increasing unit sales by 12 percent. The market's recovery began in the fourth quarter of 2023 and continued for five consecutive quarters. The rise of AI-powered smartphones contributed significantly to the positive sales figures, surpassing foldable phones in market interest. Foldable phone demand decreased despite marketing efforts, with manufacturers shifting focus to AI features. Counterpoint projects that most smartphones above $250 will incorporate generative AI by 2028. Overall, the smartphone market demonstrated a strong recovery in 2024, with continued growth predicted for 2025.