Huawei shipped 55.8 million devices in the second quarter of 2020, according to Canalys.
César Salza / CNET en Español
Huawei shipped more phones worldwide than any other vendor for the first time in 2020’s second quarter, tech market analyst Canalys reported Thursday. It’s the first time in nine years anyone other than Samsung or Apple has been market leader, it said.
The embattled Chinese phone maker shipped 55.8 million devices, down 5% year on year, compared to Samsung’s 53.7 million smartphones — a 30% fall drop, according to Canalys’ research.
Much of the growth comes from mainland China, where it made 70% of its sales. Its overseas shipments fell 27% in the quarter, partially due to US government restrictions, the analyst noted.
Read more: Not just Huawei: A guide to China’s biggest and best smartphone makers
“If it wasn’t for COVID-19, it wouldn’t have happened. Huawei has taken full advantage of the Chinese economic recovery to reignite its smartphone business,” Ben Stanton, a Canalys senior analyst, said in a release.”Samsung has a very small presence in China, with less than 1% market share, and has seen its core markets, such as Brazil, India, the United States and Europe, ravaged by outbreaks and subsequent lockdowns.”
In a statement, Huawei touted its “exceptional resilience” during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Amidst a period of unprecedented global economic slowdown and challenges, we’ve continued to grow and further our leadership position by providing innovative products and experience to consumers,” a spokesperson said.
