Samsung takes global lead in Q1 shipments as US-China tariff tensions loom –  IDC

Samsung reclaimed the top spot in global smartphone shipments for Q1 2025, driven by strong performance across both its premium and mid-range segments, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

The flagship S25 flagship and mid-range Galaxy A36 and A56 models stood out, offering competitive AI features at more accessible price points.

Apple, meanwhile, recorded its best-ever first quarter in terms of units shipped. The company had ramped up inventory in anticipation of potential U.S. tariffs and other global supply disruptions. However, its performance in China slipped, as the country’s subsidy programme excluded Apple’s higher-end Pro models, weakening their competitiveness against domestic rivals.

OPPO secured fourth place globally, despite a decline in overall shipments. While its international sales softened, stronger performance in China helped offset the downturn.

IDC reports that the global smartphone market began 2025 with cautious optimism, posting a 1.5% year-on-year increase in shipments. Preliminary data shows total shipments reached 304.9 million units in Q1 2025—marking modest growth for a market that has faced persistent challenges over the past year.

However, analysts caution that this growth may be misleading. Much of the uptick was driven not by increased consumer demand, but by strategic moves from vendors seeking to front-load shipments ahead of anticipated U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese imports.

Vendors Race Against Tariff Clock

“Faced with heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and the looming threat of substantial U.S. tariff hikes on goods imported from China, vendors strategically accelerated production schedules and pulled forward significant shipment volumes, particularly into the critical U.S. market,” said Francisco Jeronimo, vice president of client devices at IDC.

While Q1 figures provide a short-term boost, IDC analysts warn that the outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains uncertain. With U.S.-China trade tensions unresolved and global consumer confidence vulnerable to economic headwinds, the mobile sector could face renewed turbulence in the coming months.