Consumers buy while scolding?iPhone 15 series becomes the best-selling smartphone in 2023!
Counterpoint Research, a market research agency, today released its latest report on the global premium smartphone market sales in 2023.
The report states:
1. Sales in the high-end ($≥ $600 wholesale) market are likely to increase by 6% year-over-year in 2023 compared to the projected decline in the global smartphone market as a whole this year.
2. Apple remains the undisputed leader in the premium segment. However, this year's share has decreased compared to 2022.
3. China, India, Middle East & Africa and Latin America are likely to set new records for high-end market sales in 2023, with India being the fastest-growing high-end market in the world.
（图源Counterpoint）
There are several key points we can observe about this survey.
In 2023, while the overall smartphone market is expected to face a decline, those high-end phones priced above $600 are gaining popularity, with an expected growth of 6%. In other words, although the market as a whole may not be sluggish, everyone is still very interested in high-end flagship phones.
Among the best-selling smartphones in China in October 2023, the top five are the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Huawei Mate 60 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, Honor X50, and Apple iPhone 15. Four of them cost more than $600. In addition, among the best-selling smartphones in the United States in October 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a sales share of 24%. This, coupled with the fact that there are now various installment payments and discount promotions, makes high-end phones more accessible to the average consumer.
（图源Counterpoint）
It is also worth noting that Apple's market share as a market leader has declined. In the Chinese market, Huawei has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the market with the launch of the latest Mate 60 series. Despite the challenges faced by the international market, Huawei has maintained strong competitiveness and brand influence in the domestic market.
（图源Counterpoint）
In this way, although Apple is still the leader, its share has declined, and at the same time, Samsung's foldable phone series in the high-end market differentiation strategy is also worth paying attention to.
In short, the competition between these major mobile phone brands in the high-end mobile phone market is becoming more and more fierce, which may return to the original market competition pattern of "Royal Three" before Huawei was sanctioned in the future.
（图源Counterpoint）
In terms of market performance by region, China, India, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America are particularly noteworthy for growth in the premium handset market. India, in particular, has become the world's fastest-growing premium market.
It may be due to India's rapid economic growth and the expansion of the middle class that has made high-end mobile phones more affordable. In addition, India has a large young population. In addition, the fierce competition of mobile phone brands in India has also promoted the promotion and sales of more high-end products.
（图源Counterpoint）
The report also points out that the most attractive in the high-end mobile phone market in 2023 are those ultra-high-end phones that cost more than $1,000. This segment of the market accounts for more than one-third of the total sales of the entire high-end market.
It's also a reflection of the fact that more and more people are now willing to pay for top-notch tech experiences. These ultra-high-end phones usually have the latest technology, such as better cameras, stronger processors, innovative designs, foldable screens, etc. For consumers looking for the best experience and the latest technology, these phones are like an irresistible temptation.