Samsung Strengthens Lead as Middle East and Africa Smartphone Market Shrinks
Seoul: Samsung Electronics significantly increased its share of the smartphone market in the Middle East and Africa during the second quarter of 2026, maintaining its leading position despite a contraction in overall shipments.
According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Samsung’s share of smartphone shipments in the region rose by 10 percentage points year-on-year, from 22 percent to 32 percent.
The increase came as Samsung gained market share amid declining shipments by several competing brands, including Infinix, Tecno and Xiaomi.
Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Counterpoint Research, that overall smartphone shipments across the Middle East and Africa declined by 10 percent during the second quarter compared with the same period in 2025.
Samsung was followed by Tecno with a 15 percent share, Xiaomi with 12 percent, Apple with 10 percent, Infinix with 5 percent and Realme with 3 percent.
Counterpoint Research attributed the regional market weakness primarily to a decline in demand for low-cost smartphones priced at USD 250 or less.
Shipments in this price segment fell by 26 percent year-on-year, representing the sharpest decline among the different smartphone price categories.
The figures indicate continued pressure on the region’s budget smartphone segment, while leading manufacturers with stronger positions across higher-value and broader product categories have been better placed to maintain or expand their market shares.
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