Samsung, after leading the global smartphone market in terms of shipments from Q1 2025 through Q3 2025, lost the top spot to Apple in Q4 2025. Unfortunately for the South Korean tech giant, it has not been able to reclaim that position in Q1 2026.

Counterpoint Research has published its analysis of global smartphone shipments for Q1 2026. According to the firm, Apple led the market with a 21% share, while Samsung ranked second with a 20% market share. You can check it out below.

Compared to Q4 2025, the gap between Apple and Samsung has narrowed significantly. However, Samsung’s smartphone shipments declined 6% year-over-year (Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2026). Counterpoint Research says this was due to the delayed launch of the Galaxy S26 series and the brand’s weak performance in the entry-level segment.

In third, fourth, and fifth place were Mi, Oppo, and Vivo, with market shares of 13%, 11%, and 8%, respectively. With the Galaxy S26 series already setting sales records, Samsung’s performance in the global mobile market could improve in Q2 2026. However, the brand increasing the prices of its phones could negatively impact shipments.