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Samsung reclaimed the top spot in the global smartphone market in Q3 2025, driven largely by strong demand for its latest foldable handsets. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 helped lift shipments and market share, while the company also picked up major chip orders and prepares to expand its product lineup further.
Foldables Power a Rare Quarter of Growth
After a period of intense competition, Samsung posted its best third-quarter growth on record. IDC reports the company shipped 61.4 million smartphones in Q3 2025 — up 6.3% from 57.7 million a year earlier — giving Samsung roughly a 19% share of the global market. The standout performers were the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, which outpaced previous Galaxy Z models in sales and helped restore momentum to Samsung’s mobile business.
How the market stacked up: rivals and shipment figures
Apple remained a close second, shipping 58.6 million iPhones for an 18.2% market share. Xiaomi and Transsion followed, with 43.5 million and 29.2 million shipments respectively, and Vivo moved in behind them with 28.9 million devices (8.9% share). These numbers underscore a hotly contested market where small percentage shifts translate into millions of devices.
- Samsung: 61.4 million shipments — ~19.0% share
- Apple: 58.6 million shipments — ~18.2% share
- Xiaomi: 43.5 million shipments
- Transsion: 29.2 million shipments
- Vivo: 28.9 million shipments — ~8.9% share
More than phones: chips and new categories
Samsung’s resurgence isn’t just about foldables. The company has also secured chip manufacturing contracts with major tech players, including Apple and Tesla, boosting its foundry business. On the consumer side, Samsung is gearing up to launch new category-defining products: a first-of-its-kind tri-fold smartphone is expected this month, and the company confirmed an extended reality (XR) headset unveiling on October 21. With Apple’s Vision Pro raising the stakes, Samsung’s performance in these segments will be closely watched.
Why this matters
Imagine the smartphone market as a high-stakes relay race: hardware innovation, supply wins and timely launches determine who holds the baton. Samsung’s recent gains show the company can still turn product excitement into market share — especially when a new form factor resonates with consumers. For industry watchers and buyers alike, the rise of foldables is no longer niche; it’s reshaping vendor strategies and consumer expectations.
Keep an eye on next month’s product reveals: the success of Samsung’s tri-fold phone and XR headset could redefine the company’s lead or invite a fresh counterpunch from rivals.
Source: sammobile
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