While analytical firms hype up “volume shipments” as the true gauge of measuring leadership in smartphones and other devices, we’ve continually pointed out that it’s profits/revenue that really matters at the end of the day. It’s here where year in and year out Apple has been the reigning champ.
Today, a new Counterpoint report focuses on on the top five smartphone players in industry in terms of revenue from 2017-2021. In the chart below, Apple is listed with $196 billion in revenue over the last five years. Their top four competitors, Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi and Vivo combined only generated $179 billion.
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Apple’s iPhone revenue increased 35% YoY to $196 billion in 2021. It captured 44% of total global smartphone revenue in 2021. The high demand for 5G-enabled iPhone 12 and 13 series helped Apple register 14% growth in its overall ASP, which reached $825 in 2021. The brand also managed to increase its share in key emerging markets such as India, Thailand, Vietnam and Brazil.
Apple, realme and Motorola recorded their highest ever quarterly revenues in Q4 2021.
In an overview of 2021, Counterpoint reports that “The global smartphone market revenue crossed $448 billion in 2021. It grew 7% YoY and 20% QoQ even as component shortages and COVID-19 restrictions continued to disrupt supply chains around the world.
Smartphone average selling price (ASP) grew 12% YoY to reach $322, mainly due to a higher share of 5G smartphones, which have a significantly higher ASP than the 4G models, as well as Apple’s successful launch of its iPhone 13 devices.
There has also been a global increase in demand for mid-range and premium smartphones due to the pandemic-linked education, work and entertainment from home convincing some consumers to upgrade their devices for a better overall experience.
For more details on other industry players, read the full Counterpoint report.
