Global Smartphone Market Sees 2% Growth in 2025, Reaching 1.25 Billion Units

• February 6, 2026

The global smartphone market experienced a modest increase in shipments in 2025, with sales rising by 2% to reach a total of 1.25 billion units. This marks the highest annual sales volume since 2021, according to recent data compiled by Omdia.

Mixed Regional Performance Highlights Market Dynamics

Analysis by Omdia reveals that the growth was fairly broad-based, with all major macroregions contributing positively except for China. While most global markets demonstrated increased smartphone demand, China’s market contracted slightly as the effects of government subsidies encouraging new device purchases diminished. These subsidies had previously stimulated consumer interest, but their impact has since subsided.

The upward trend in shipments outside China indicates ongoing demand for mobile devices, reflecting consumer interest in new technology, network upgrades, and replacement cycles. Despite the overall gains, industry experts expect 2026 to be challenging for many smartphone manufacturers, owing to factors such as economic headwinds, supply chain uncertainties, and evolving consumer preferences.

The steady growth recorded in 2025 underscores the continued importance of smartphones in everyday life worldwide, even as saturation in key markets demands innovation and differentiation from manufacturers to sustain momentum.

While exact figures on pricing, individual company performances, or specific country-level data were not disclosed, the general upward trajectory suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook for the industry moving into the new year.

Smartphone shipments increased 2% in 2025 to 1.25 billion units worldwide, driven by growth in most regions except China.