Explosive growth pushes HMD Global into global top 10 during Q2 2018

Just over 18 months after the first Nokia-branded smartphones produced by HMD Global hit the market, the company entered the top 10 list of global smartphone manufacturers at number 9 during the second quarter of 2018 according to Counterpoint Research.

Shipping a total of 4.5 million smartphones during the three-month period, HMD Global now sits behind Lenovo which sold just 9.9 million devices over the course of the quarter (this number also includes Motorola’s sales). Obviously, when compared to the remaining top 10 global manufacturers, HMD Global lags behind significantly in terms of sales. However, it’s worth noting that the figure is more than double the number of smartphone units Sony managed to sell during the quarter. Additionally, it represents an increase for HMD Global of 4 million in just one year, which itself equates to an explosive level of growth: 782%. To put this in perspective, Huawei saw growth of 41% during the quarter.

Elsewhere in the top 10, other brands that experienced relatively strong growth were Chinese brand’s Xiaomi and Tecno with growth levels of 43% and 59% respectively. Additionally, while not part of the top 10, Counterpoint listed OnePlus as one of the fastest growing brands during the quarter. 

Separately, in terms of those who experienced the biggest declines, LG’s shipments decreased 23% while Lenovo also saw a decline of 8%. Outside of the top 10, Counterpoint listed Sony as one of the worst performers.

source: Counterpoint Research