Samsung Electronics ranks first in smartphone market share in Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia in Q1

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[Financial News] Samsung Electronics ranked first in smartphone market share in Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia in the first quarter of this year. Despite external uncertainties such as sluggish smartphone market growth and rising memory chip prices, the company appears to have won over local consumers with an optimal sales mix of flagship and entry-level smartphones.
According to market researcher Omdia on the 25th, smartphone shipments in Latin America reached 34.8 million units in the first quarter, up 3% from a year earlier. Samsung Electronics shipped 12.9 million units, 9% more than a year earlier. With a 37% market share, it took the top spot. That was its highest quarterly share in about three years, since the first quarter of 2023.
Samsung Electronics also ranked first in the Middle East with a 34% share.
In the Middle East market, demand fell 9% from a year earlier as weaker consumer sentiment, geopolitical uncertainty and higher memory costs offset pre-Ramadan inventory buildup and new product launches.
Samsung Electronics also ranked first in Southeast Asia with a 21% share. Smartphone shipments in the region totaled 21.6 million units in the first quarter, down 9% from a year earlier.
The Southeast Asian market saw a sharp price increase, with the average selling price rising 19% from a year earlier to $349. Omdia said Samsung Electronics expanded its share by continuing to invest in its brand and broaden its channels.
The industry believes that, amid rising memory prices and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, consumers are paying more attention to products from trusted brands that offer a premium experience and after-sales service.
In its analysis of the Latin American market, Omdia said perceived value from batteries, cameras, displays, durability and after-sales service is a key factor in market competition.
Samsung Electronics also ranked first in the global smartphone market with a 22% share. The company plans to drive year-on-year revenue growth this year by launching new entry-level models in the Samsung Galaxy A series in the second quarter.
mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter