Samsung holds top spot as chip shortage shrinks global smartphone market to a 14-year low

Samsung shipped more smartphones worldwide than any other maker in the third quarter of 2026 (July–September). According to a recent report by market research firm Counterpoint Research, the South Korean company held a 23 percent share of the global smartphone market in that period.

According to the report, Apple ranked second in the third quarter with a 22 percent share. Xiaomi, in third place, held 12 percent. Oppo's share was 9 percent and Vivo's 8 percent. Together, the top five makers accounted for roughly three-quarters of the global market.

The bigger picture behind the top ranking is far from comfortable, however. The report says the global smartphone market shrank by 20 percent in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. As a result, the market's third-quarter size fell to its lowest level in 14 years.

The report identifies a shortage of memory chips as the main cause of the decline. The chip shortage disrupted the supply systems of most smartphone makers, and that disruption fed directly into the shrinking of the overall market.

Samsung did not escape the difficult conditions entirely either. Despite the adverse environment, its smartphone shipments fell by 3 percent compared with the same period last year. Even so, because that decline was smaller than its rivals', it was able to hold on to the top position.

Another factor behind holding the top spot was the new foldable smartphone series. Early buyer interest in the new foldable line, led by the Galaxy Z Fold8, strengthened Samsung's position, according to the report.

Moving beyond the third quarter, Samsung reiterated its commitment to developing innovative mobile technology for customers around the world and to ensuring a more effective and meaningful smartphone experience.