European smartphone market collapsed in Q1 2022; except at Realme

June 23, 2022 Luisa Rey

Smartphone sales in the first quarter of 2022 are again not very rosy. All brands saw sales decline in this quarter, except for Realme, which saw an increase.

Smartphone market in Q1 2022

The first quarter of 2022 was the worst first quarter for smartphone manufacturers since 2013. According to research firm Counterpoint Research, 49 million new smartphones were sold, a decrease of 12 percent compared to the first quarter of last year. These are figures on European smartphone sales. Samsung stands with a share of 35 percent, but saw growth decrease by 16 percent compared to last year.

Apple saw a 6 percent drop and is second with a 25 percent share. Xiaomi follows in third place with a 14 percent share. The Chinese manufacturer, however, saw the growth decline enormously by 36 percent. We see Oppo in fourth place with a 6 percent share and an 8 percent decline in growth. At five we see Realme, which, in contrast to the rest, shows a huge lead; 67 percent growth in deliveries.

The reason for the decrease can have several causes. For example, due to covid lockdowns (in China, among others), there is still a shortage of materials, there is rising inflation and there is the war in Ukraine. The war influences the market in various ways. For example, several brands have withdrawn from Russia.