The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect smartphone sales as a new report from Counterpoint Research states that the premium smartphone segment recorded a decline of 13% YoY globally. In the lead is Apple, contributing 4 out of the top 5 premium smartphones sold globally, followed by Samsung and then Huawei.
In Q1 2020, Apple had a market share of 57%, with the iPhone 11 being the highest-selling model in the premium segment for the quarter. Apple and Samsung also maintained the first two spots in all regions except China, where Huawei was the market leader. Together, Apple, Samsung and Huawei accounted for 88% of the premium segment in this quarter.
Within the different price bands among premium smartphones, $600 to $799 grew 47% YoY during Q1 2020. This was largely due to the popularity of the iPhone 11 that Apple released in September, 2019. 5G devices also started making a significant entry into the premium segment, cornering one-fifth of the market in Q1 2020.