20%: Counterpoint says Q3 phone shipments fell to a 14-year low
Counterpoint Research says global smartphone shipments dropped 20% in Q3 2026, linked to the memory shortage. Samsung held up best.
Far fewer phones were sold this summer than a year ago. A shortage of memory chips is a big reason. Phones may stay pricey for a while.
-20%Q3 shipments
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Why it matters
Fewer phones are being made, which can keep prices high for buyers.
For most people
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The details
- Global shipments fell 20% from a year earlier, the lowest level in 14 years.
- The report links the drop to the memory crisis.
- Samsung led with 23% share (up from 19%); its shipments fell 3%.
- Apple had 22% share (up from 18%) with shipments down 22%.
- Xiaomi fell 30%; Oppo and Vivo each fell about 20%.
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