Analytical firm Counterpoint Research published a report on the state of the global smartphone market in the third quarter (July–September). 'The results are disappointing: shipment volume fell 20% compared with the same period last year,' notes GSMArena, whose authors studied the report.

The note adds that the only companies that managed to increase their market share were Samsung and Apple. Thus, Samsung retains the lead with a 23% share (up from 19% a year earlier), while Apple took second place with 22% (up from 18%). Following them are Xiaomi (10% of the market versus 14% previously), Oppo (9% versus 12%), and vivo (8% versus 9%).

Analysts also say that the third quarter recorded 'the lowest smartphone shipment volume for this period in the last 14 years.' The cause, as claimed, is a 'persistent memory shortage.' One could also say that the issue is not so much a lack of memory per se, but a shortage of memory at affordable prices.

A few more conclusions: Samsung's success appears to be driven by strong demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 (with the Fold 8 being the leader). At the same time, Apple's share surpassed 20% for the first time in a third quarter.

'Demand for premium‑segment devices remains stable, while the budget segment of the market is being squeezed due to price increases caused by rising memory costs,' the note summarizes. It concludes that, since the beginning of the year, global retail smartphone prices have risen by 20%.