Analysts say Huawei takes Samsung’s crown as the world’s No. 1 phone maker

Huawei shipped more phones worldwide than any other provider for the first time in the second quarter of 2020, tech market analysts Canalys, Counterpoint and IDC reported. It is the first time in nine years that someone other than Samsung or Apple has been the market leader, Canalys said.

the beleaguered chinese phone maker It sold 55.8 million devices, down 5% year-over-year, compared to Samsung’s 53.7 million smartphones, a 30% drop, according to Canalys research.

Much of the growth comes from mainland China, where it made 70% of its sales. Its overseas shipments fell 27% in the quarter, in part due to U.S. government restrictions, the analyst pointed out.

“If it was not for COVID-19It Wouldn’t Have Happened Huawei has taken full advantage of China’s economic recovery to revive its smartphone business, “said Ben Stanton, senior analyst at Canalys, in a press release.” Samsung has a very small presence in China, with less than 1% market share, and has seen its core markets, such as Brazil, India, the United States and Europe, devastated by outbreaks and subsequent blockades. “

Huawei also “did well” in markets like Russia and Ukraine, Counterpoint noted.

“As markets outside of China rebound, it will be difficult for Huawei to maintain this leadership in the coming quarters,” associate director Tarun Pathak said in the Counterpoint statement.

People were also spending more on technology like PCs, monitors and tablets due to working from home and distance education, according to IDC, making them less likely to buy a new phone.

In a statement, Huawei touted its “exceptional resistance” during the coronavirus pandemic.

“In the midst of a period of global economic slowdown and unprecedented challenges, we have continued to grow and expand our leadership position by providing innovative products and expertise to consumers,” said a spokesperson.

Read more: Not just Huawei – a guide to China’s best and biggest smartphone makers