Apple tied or beat Samsung for Q4 smartphone sales, depending on who you ask

(Image credit: Apple)

What you need to know

  • Several analysts have taken a stab at the Q4 2019 smartphone sales numbers.
  • There is a suggestion that Apple has equaled Samsung smartphone sales, and maybe even passed it.
  • The consensus seems to be that there is now nothing to separate the two.

Reports on smartphone sales in Q4 2019 suggest that the gap between Apple and Samsung is now closer than ever.

Several outlets have published estimates regarding smartphone shipments for the last quarter, and whilst there is variation, the overall figures seem to suggest that the margin between Apple and Samsung has closed significantly.

According to Bloomberg:

Industry trackers on Thursday released estimates that show the iPhone maker close to matching or surpassing its Korean rival in shipments during the pivotal holiday quarter. Strategy Analytics put Apple's iPhone shipments for the fourth quarter at 70.7 million, slightly ahead of Samsung's 68.8 million. Canalys gauged the U.S. company had moved 78 million, surpassing the Asian brand's 71 million. And researchers at IHS Markit have the positions flipped -- with Samsung at 70.7 million and Apple at 67.7 million.Research firms are forced to estimate because Apple stopped providing its own iPhone figures a year ago, while Samsung gives a total number that includes smartphones and feature phones. The consensus, however, is that there's essentially no longer any daylight between the two dominant brands in mobile phones.

Apple just announced its most recent results, posting a record-breaking $91.8 billion in revenue over the holiday quarter. Apple enjoyed very strong performance from its iPhone 11 lineup, and the report notes that this is likely the driving factor behind the iPhone's recovery.

These figures only cover the holiday quarter however, which is usually Apple's busiest time of the year. Overall, Samsung shipped far more smartphones than Apple in 2019, 295 million compared to 193 million (according to IHS). With the hotly touted Galaxy S20 reportedly on the way, Samsung seems primed to fight back against Apple's resurgence in the final quarter of 2019.

Perhaps the only unknown quantity looking forward is Apple's rumored iPhone SE 2/iPhone 9, budget smartphone tipped for a March announcement. Not only would that thrust Apple and the iPhone back into the spotlight during the spring, which is typically Samsung's time to shine, if the rumors of a $399 price point are correct, it could open up iPhone sales to a whole new section of the smartphone customer base who want a cheap, budget iPhone.

Now that the gap seems to have closed, we've plenty to look forward to as Apple and Samsung duke it out in 2020.

Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?

Android Central

Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.

  • Subscribe in Pocket Casts: Audio
  • Subscribe in Spotify: Audio
  • Subscribe in iTunes: Audio
Stephen Warwick
Read more
Redmi 13C lifestyle render
This Android brand takes the lead as the fastest-growing OEM at the expense of Samsung and others
Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra just broke new ground for Android flagships
Blue Galaxy S25 on stand
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: The showdown begins
The back of the Mint Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Ecosystem battle
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max home page
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: All about speedy performance and AI
A render of the iPhone 16e against a gradient background.
Apple's C1 modem in the iPhone 16e is proof that we don't need Qualcomm for 5G
Latest in Phones
POCO F7 Ultra back view on blue background with yellow colors next to it
POCO F7 Ultra review: The best bargain of 2025
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display
New leak shows off Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in 'Titanium' variants
The back of the Obsidian Google Pixel 9 Pro
Some Pixel owners had a delayed start, thanks to alarm clock failures
Holding an Obsidian Google Pixel 9 Pro
That's not a typo — this Google Pixel 9 Pro deal from Amazon makes Black Friday look like a joke
Leaked image of a blue Galaxy Z Flip 7
New Galaxy Z Flip 7 case leak backs rumors of a larger cover display
Android Central's Lloyd sitting at a computer desk
Editor's Desk
Latest in News
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display
New leak shows off Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in 'Titanium' variants
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter
The back of the Obsidian Google Pixel 9 Pro
Some Pixel owners had a delayed start, thanks to alarm clock failures
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Home Screen - 16x9
Heads up — Samsung's detailed One UI 7 rollout schedule for Galaxy appears
The old Android logo at Google's Pier 57 building in New York City
Report claims Google may move to 'privately' develop Android's future