Xiaomi emerged as Samsung’s biggest rival, recorded highest YoY growth in Q2 2021

Samsung has been leading the world for years when it comes to the highest smartphone units shipments. Every year, the company faces tough competition from its rivals such as Apple and Chinese phone makers. For several years, Apple is the biggest rival of Samsung, but it looks like things are now changed.

Recently, popular market research firm Canalys published its new report in which the researchers shared the data of the global smartphone market of the second quarter of 2021. Although Samsung still remained on the top, Xiaomi kicked out Apple from the place of the world’s second-largest smartphone maker, says Canalys.

Global smartphone market Q2 2021 – Highlights

In the second quarter of this year, the world’s smartphone shipments increased 12% as the new normal for economies and citizens started to take shape just because of the speedy rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines. Glimpse at the global market report:

• Samsung was the largest vendor with a 19% share of smartphones shipped
• Surpassing Apple, Xiaomi took second place for the first time ever, with a 17% share
• Apple slipped to third with a 14% share
• Chinese vendors such as Oppo and Vivo recorded strong growth

Image Source: Xiaomi Blog

Not Apple, Xiaomi is the biggest Samsung rival

Ben Stanton, Research Manager at Canalys said that “Xiaomi is growing its overseas business rapidly”. The company has impressively increased its shipments in various regions worldwide, which is not good news for Samsung and Apple.

In Latin America, Xiaomi’s shipments increased more than 300%, while 150% in Africa and 50% in Western Europe. After fighting as a challenger, the company is now transforming its business model to an incumbent with various initiatives such as good management of older stock in the market.

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Compared to market leaders Samsung and Apple, Xiaomi’s average selling price are around 40% and 75% cheaper respectively. Therefore, the reason behind this impressive growth this year is its high-end devices such as the Mi 11 Ultra 5G.

Last but not least, Canalys researchers pointed out that Xiaomi already has its sights set on the next prize that is displacing Samsung to become the world’s largest vendor. However, it’s not an easy task to defeat the Korean tech giant as it’s managing an impressive reputation in the hearts of consumers across the globe!

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun’s letter to all employees

“Dear colleagues, the world’s No. 2 means greater challenges and responsibilities for Xiaomi. This is the first time we reached this unprecedented level, and we will inevitably face many vicious and fierce battles ahead of us.”

“Notwithstanding the celebrations now, I want to make sure we can maintain our second place steadily and firmly in the future. It is an honor for us to compete with the most powerful and innovative companies in the world at the peak on the global stage.”

“We are still very young and thus have not accumulated sufficient experiences yet; we must keep calm and stay humble. Our peers are our role models and our whetstones. It is this fierce competition that has driven all of us to make progress mutually. And through this, we can continue to sharpen ourselves and get stronger.”