For the first time in months, Samsung was able to successfully overtake Apple after the iPhone maker decreased its production volume up to 12.8% in the first three months of 2022.
Samsung Leads Smartphone Production
According to TrendForce, during the first three months of 2022, the total smartphone production was only around 310 million units.
This is because the war in Ukraine and the strict COVID-19 lockdowns in China have weakened the demand to upgrade the device.
Samsung was able to defeat Apple because its production sites are located in India and Vietnam, unlike Apple, which relies heavily on its massive production site in Beijing, which was affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. Because of this, it slowed down the production of the iPhone 14.
The South Korean brand shifted 73.8 million units in the first quarter of 2022. Apple, on the other hand, manufactured 60 million units. Although it is 11.1% more than its production in Q1 2021, it is still not enough to keep the top spot.
However, Samsung may not be able to enjoy the number one spot much longer.
According to ZDNet, sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine may force the manufacturer to stop shipping its products to the country. This can pressure Samsung's sales in the next couple of months.
As for Apple, TrendForce predicts that Chinese brand Xiaomi may overtake the iPhone maker in the second quarter of 2022 if it does not sort out its production issue in its Beijing plant.
Meanwhile, other smartphone brands such as Oppo and Vivo are expected to be fourth and fifth on the list.
Samsung Tops India's Tablet Sale
Not only is Samsung number one in smartphone production and sales, but it is also on top when it comes to tablet sales.
According to News18, the South Korean brand overtook Apple as the tablet market leader in India. The company picked up a 40% market share, which is 10% more than its market share in Q4 2021.
What played a massive part in the company's higher shipment volume and sales is its new products, the Galaxy Tab S8 and the Galaxy Tab A8.
Meanwhile, the iPhone maker only got to release one new iPad tablet.
Samsung revealed that the increasing demand for its products in India, and its finance options, made it possible for people to afford to purchase the tablets.
The South Korean company was able to go above the $500 bracket, a territory that Apple only reached with its iPads.
The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for tablets because students and employees needed a device for their classes and work.
During this period, Samsung did not have any competition since Apple did not release any tablets in 2020.
Experts are now waiting to see if Samsung can keep the top spot in the market, especially now that Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Realme are dipping their toes into the tablet market in several countries, including India.
Samsung will have to release more products that will catch the public's interest if it wants to keep its position.
Related Article: Xiaomi Overthrows Apple, Samsung in Smartphone Sales Globally-But Growth Might be Temporary
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster
