Even The Latest Flagships Can't Bring Cheer To Samsung And Google In The US
Ryan Haynes/Android Authority
TL; doctor
- Smartphone shipments in the United States in the third quarter of 2023 decreased compared to the third quarter of 2022.
- TCL, Google and Samsung lost the most in terms of shipments, followed by Apple with smaller losses.
- Only Motorola and HMD Global managed to ship more phones despite declining consumer demand.
The US smartphone market is dominated by Apple and Samsung, with Google, OnePlus, Motorola and TCL adding flavor and variety. While the market doesn't offer much choice, consumers still have plenty of options whether they want to buy a flagship Android phone or a mid-range model. But it appears consumers are less interested in switching phones as US smartphone shipments fell 19% in the third quarter of 2023.
According to Counterpoint Research's latest report on the US smartphone shipments market, sales of Samsung, Google and TCL in the third quarter of 2023 plummeted by 26%, 37% and 51%, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2022. Apple didn't regret it either. or is it important? The 11% decline resulted in some shipments being delayed into the next quarter, mainly due to the delayed launch of the iPhone 15 series.
The only winners were Motorola and Nokia HMD, whose shares rose 31% and 17%, respectively, this quarter compared to the same period last year.
Analysts say consumer demand for smartphones remains weak despite operators offering strong promotions. Consumers prefer to keep their devices longer than rush to upgrade. The reasons are increased durability and better quality of phones, small updates of new releases and an uncertain macroeconomic situation in the US.
The market is expected to recover in the fourth quarter, but this is seasonal demand for holiday shopping. Overall, demand is expected to remain weak compared to the same period last year.
Looking at the quarterly data in the infographic above, it appears that despite weak demand, Apple has not lost momentum in the US market. Its share in total supplies increases from year to year at the expense of Samsung and other players. Google is also being destroyed. Surprisingly, Motorola has continued its good work.
Hopefully, consumer demand will increase in the future and OEMs will be able to offer better options to users as a monopoly or monopoly in the smartphone market is harmful to the overall health of the smartphone industry and its pace of innovation.
