Counterpoint: Premium smartphone sales climb 24 percent in 2021
The year 2021 marked a new high for expensive smartphones, underscoring a trend that many market watchers saw coming. A comprehensive Counterpoint Research report highlights how premium models reached record sales levels, reflecting both consumer appetite and evolving device strategies among manufacturers. The surge did not merely reflect higher average selling prices; it demonstrated a shift in consumer behavior toward feature-rich devices that combine luxury design with cutting edge technology.
Global sales of premium smartphones rose by 24 percent year over year in 2021, according to the analysis. This segment, defined by devices priced at four hundred dollars and above, captured a significant slice of the market, accounting for about 27 percent of total handset sales. The data suggest that premium devices are no longer a niche offering but a dominant category in many regions, driven by stronger upgrade cycles and a widening pipeline of 5G capable handsets.
Several factors converged to fuel this momentum. Upgrading to the latest flagship or high tier model remains a central motivator for consumers in mature markets, while affordability for premium features becomes more attainable in developing regions through favorable financing and broad 5G rollout. The research attributes much of the demand to a combination of upgrade cycles, deliberate product strategies from manufacturers, and ongoing supply chain dynamics that support a robust premium lineup across price bands.
In terms of market leadership, Apple held a commanding position with about a 60 percent share in the premium segment, expanding from a 55 percent share in the previous year. Samsung followed as the second-largest supplier with a share around 17 percent, while Huawei trailed in third place with roughly 6 percent. The concentration of power among these brands underscores the premium segment’s reliance on established ecosystems, strong brand loyalty, and a continuous stream of high-margin devices that appeal to power users and everyday consumers alike.
Looking ahead, analysts expect the premium segment to continue expanding as replacement demand remains robust across all regions. A senior analyst notes that the appeal of foldable and premium form factors is likely to accelerate growth within this category, drawing buyers who value innovation, camera performance, display quality, and durable build. This trajectory suggests that premium devices will not only keep pace with but potentially outpace the broader smartphone market as consumers seek enduring value and future-proof features.
Earlier in the year, industry observers highlighted the popularity of specific models in the global market for 2021. Among the phones cited, Samsung Galaxy devices and iPhones dominated consumer preference, with the Galaxy A12 recognized as a standout among widely adopted options. These insights illustrate how midrange and premium models alike contribute to consumer choice, reinforcing the idea that brand ecosystems and practical performance drive purchasing decisions in this category as much as luxury appeal does.