Mid-Range Android Strength... Samsung Galaxy A51 Tops Global Rankings in Q1

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] Samsung Electronics' Galaxy A51 ranked first in global sales among all Android smartphone models in the first quarter (January to March). Analysts suggest that the Android market, which accounts for more than 85% of the global smartphone market, is increasingly dominated by mid-range models rather than flagship models.

According to a report released on the 13th (local time) by market research firm Strategy Analytics (SA), Samsung Galaxy A51 shipped approximately 6 million units in the first quarter, making it the best-selling Android smartphone worldwide. Its market share was 2.3%, showing particular strength in Europe and Asia. It is characterized by high specifications such as ultra-fast 5G, a quad camera including a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and 128GB of internal memory, all at a price much lower than flagship models.

Linda Su, head of strategic analysis at SA, explained, "Global smartphone shipments in the first quarter reached a total of 275 million units, with Android accounting for 86% of that. Today, most smartphones sold worldwide are Android models."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Following that, China's Xiaomi Redmi 8 ranked second. Redmi 8's first-quarter market share was 1.8%, gaining popularity in India and China. SA added that sales are also increasing in Europe.

Samsung Electronics' flagship model S20+, ambitiously launched at the beginning of the year, ranked third with a 1.7% market share. It was the only premium device among the top six models announced by SA on that day. It was followed by Samsung Galaxy A10 series (1.6%), Xiaomi Realme Note 8 (1.6%), and Samsung Galaxy A20 series (1.5%). Neil Mawston, SA Executive Director, stated, "Samsung Electronics occupied four of the top six models in the Android segment, while Xiaomi took two."

Recently, as various countries have been releasing 'cost-effective' smartphones with high specifications at affordable prices, analysts suggest that the Android market is shifting from premium models to mid-range models. This is described as entering the so-called 'post-premium' era.

Juha Winter, SA Vice President, who mentioned the term 'post-premium' era, evaluated, "In recent years, mobile carriers worldwide have reduced subsidies for devices, and combined with the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, global smartphone consumers are becoming increasingly price-sensitive." Referring to the popularity of the Galaxy A series, he added, "Many consumers want cost-effective devices with good specifications at affordable prices."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.