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Smartphone Market Growth, Industry Share, Trends Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2033

  • Writer: Rahul Pal
    Rahul Pal
  • Jan 19
  • 4 min read

Market Overview


The global smartphone market size reached 1,517.0 Million Units in 2024 and is forecast to reach 1,998.2 Million Units by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.08% during 2025-2033. This growth is driven by rising internet penetration, rapid technological advancements including widespread 5G adoption, and increasing demand for multimedia and gaming capabilities. The market continues to expand with Asia Pacific leading in market share.


Study Assumption Years


  • Base Year: 2024

  • Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024

  • Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033


Smartphone Market Key Takeaways

The global smartphone market size reached 1,517.0 Million Units in 2024.

  • The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.08% during 2025-2033.

  • The expected market size by 2033 is 1,998.2 Million Units.

  • Asia Pacific dominates the market with the largest share in 2024.

  • Android holds the largest share in operating systems due to its wide availability and cost-effectiveness.

  • LCD technology leads among display types, favored for affordability and display quality.

  • The 4GB - 8GB RAM segment leads consumer preference.

  • Distribution channels include OEMs, online stores, and retailers, with online platforms significantly influencing growth.



Market Growth Factors


The increasing internet penetration is a key driver for the smartphone market, enabling connectivity and access to multiple online services such as social media, e-commerce, content streaming, and communication apps. The convenience of being connected is particularly influential in emerging markets where manufacturers offer affordable internet-enabled devices to meet growing demand. This factor supports widespread product adoption and market expansion.


Technological advancements are continuously pushing the boundaries within the smartphone sector. Manufacturers introduce features like advanced camera systems, high-resolution displays, faster processing units, and larger storage capacities. The integration of 5G, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the mobile experience, encouraging consumers to upgrade and new users to adopt smartphones, thereby driving market growth.


The increasing availability of smartphones on e-commerce platforms contributes substantially to market growth. Consumers benefit from diverse options, price comparisons, reviews, and convenient payment methods including financing plans. Hassle-free returns and doorstep delivery increase online shopping appeal. E-commerce also offers discounts and exclusive deals, attracting price-sensitive buyers and expanding reach, thus amplifying smartphone sales globally.


Market Segmentation


Breakup by Operating System:


  • Android: Represents the largest segment due to its wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and vast app ecosystem, catering to various consumers across different price points.

  • iOS: Included as a segment with implied presence.

  • Others: Included as a segment with implied presence.


Breakup by Display Technology:


  • LCD Technology: The leading segment due to affordability, versatility, and established infrastructure. Offers vibrant visuals, excellent color reproduction, and improved viewing angles with IPS technology.

  • OLED Technology: Gaining popularity for deeper blacks and energy efficiency but LCD remains dominant.


Breakup by RAM Capacity:


  • Below 4GB: Caters to budget-conscious consumers with basic usage needs, suitable for web browsing and light gaming.

  • 4GB - 8GB: The largest segment, balancing performance and affordability, suitable for multitasking and moderate gaming.

  • Over 8GB: Growing demand among power users and gamers for high-performance devices capable of intensive multitasking and resource-demanding applications.


Breakup by Price Range:


  • Ultra-Low-End (Less Than $100): Entry-level phones with basic features aimed at price-sensitive consumers and emerging markets.

  • Low-End ($100-<$200): Offers improved specifications like better cameras and storage, enhancing market appeal.

  • Mid-Range ($200-<$400): Balances price and features, including better performance, cameras, screens, and storage.

  • Mid- to High-End ($400-<$600): Provides advanced features, enhanced performance, and superior build quality.

  • High-End ($600-<$800): Flagship devices with top specifications and premium features.

  • Premium ($800-<$1000) and Ultra-Premium ($1000 and Above): Luxury smartphones with the highest performance levels, innovative features, and exceptional designs targeting enthusiasts and professionals.


Breakup by Distribution Channel:


  • OEMs: Manufacturers selling directly through their channels.

  • Online Stores: E-commerce platforms enabling wide access, influencing growth.

  • Retailers: Brick-and-mortar stores and mobile carriers offering physical presence and personalized service.


Regional Insights


Asia Pacific holds the largest smartphone market share in 2024, driven by rapid urbanization, growing populations in China and India, and rising disposable incomes. The region benefits from technological advancements, presence of leading manufacturers, and expanding 4G and 5G network penetration. Easy availability of high-speed internet facilitates access to advanced smartphone features and online services, further accelerating market growth.


Recent Developments & News


On February 6, 2025, ASUS launched the Zenfone 12 Ultra, featuring a 6.78-inch display, Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform, advanced AI-powered tri-camera system, a 5500mAh battery, IP68 rating, and sustainable design.

  • On February 17, 2025, Nothing Technology Ltd. announced the upcoming Phone (3a) Series with enhanced performance including a 25% faster CPU and a 72% faster NPU, scheduled for unveiling on March 4, 2025.

  • On April 17, 2025, Samsung released the Galaxy M56 5G, the slimmest smartphone in its segment with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED+ display, 50MP triple camera, 4nm Exynos 1480 processor, priced around USD 300-340, and up to 6 years of software support.

  • Previous notable launches include Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (August 2021), Huawei Mate 30 series with Kirin 990 5G SoC (September 2019), and Apple's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus with advanced cameras and safety features (September 2022).


Key Players


  • Apple Inc.

  • Google LLC

  • Huawei Device Co., Ltd.

  • Motorola Mobility LLC (Lenovo Group Limited)

  • OnePlus

  • Oppo

  • Realme

  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

  • Shenzhen Transsion Holdings Co., Ltd.

  • Vivo

  • Xiaomi Corporation

  • ZTE Devices


If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.



About Us


IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.


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IMARC Group,

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA,

Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800,

United States: +1-201971-6302



 
 
 

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