US smartphone shipments declined 24% YoY in Q2 2023, according to Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor data. This was the third consecutive quarter of YoY declines. Android brands like Samsung, Motorola and TCL-Alcatel saw the steepest declines in shipments, while Apple’s shipments were more resilient. As a result, Apple’s share of shipments increased YoY.
Not surprising, and many Android enthusiasts called this a few years ago. Other than folding devices (some of which costs enough to buy an Iphone Pro Max + iPad), how is Android differentiating themselves from Apple on the hardware front? The few things they could have done to separate themselves, like SD cards, headphone jacks, etc. are now gone with some niche exceptions. And now that Apple is finally adding some customization on iOS, plus being dragged kicking and screaming by the EU to conform to universal standards, the feature set differences continue to diminish.
Copying Apple only benefits Apple, and we’re seeing this occur quarter by quarter. Pixels may be the exception simply because they cost two-thirds (half, during their generous sales) as much as Samsung’s. But if they continue their trend of raising prices, I think their sales will eventually stagnate too.
Even Android phones that have retained SD card and headphone jack(Sony Xperia 5 IV) are not doing any better. People in Android communities talk about retaining these features and they would only buy phones with these features. Yet when you check smartphone shipment data it is showing otherwise, phones that have removed these features are selling more.
Do any of these features actually exist on flagship models? Because those are the ones carried and pushed by mobile providers. People aren’t buying phones in a vacuum; most people have limited options when getting a new phone because it’s often not worth the hassle to switch providers just to get the exact model phone you want.
Sony phones used to be sold via carrier, it was making huge losses that is what stopped Sony from selling via carrier. Sony phones are still sold via carriers in Japan and even in their home market they are behind Apple, Google and Sharp for total shipment.
This is great news. Reduce e-waste by using your phone until it gives up.
Only problem with this is if you don’t have a backup and your phone suddenly dies on you it can be kind of panic inducing. Especially since when I went to buy a new phone afterward, my bank wanted me to prove that I was the one using my own card with a text message…except I couldn’t do that because my phone was dead and wouldn’t turn on so I couldn’t verify it wasn’t fraud and I couldn’t buy the new phone. Lol!
A shitty backup phone is def a good idea.
