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Global smartphone shipments fell 20% year over year in Q3 2026, reaching the lowest level for a third quarter in 14 years, according to Counterpoint Research. The firm attributed the supply constraint to continuing memory shortages. Apple’s share reached 22%—the first time it exceeded 20% in any Q3—even though Apple’s shipments also declined year over year. Reuters described Counterpoint’s estimate as preliminary.
What happened to global smartphone shipments?
Counterpoint Research estimated that worldwide smartphone shipments declined 20% year over year in Q3 2026. The firm said the quarter marked the lowest Q3 shipment level in 14 years. Reuters’ October 12, 2026 report described the estimate as the lowest third-quarter level since 2012.
These are shipment estimates, not a count of phones bought by consumers. The figures should therefore be read as a measure of devices shipped into the market, not retail sell-through.
Why did shipments fall?
Counterpoint attributed the supply constraint to continued memory shortages, which it said affected most original equipment manufacturers. Reuters also reported that shortages and rising memory-chip costs pressured manufacturers and pushed prices up. Neither report summary quantifies the price increases, and the available information does not separate supply effects from changes in consumer demand. Memory shortages are the stated pressure, not a complete accounting of the decline.
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- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
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How did Apple reach 22% share while its shipments fell?
Apple accounted for 22% of the smartphone market’s shipments in Q3 2026, according to Counterpoint. It was the first time Apple crossed 20% share in any third quarter. The same summary says Apple’s shipments declined year over year, so the share gain does not mean Apple shipped more phones than a year earlier.
Share is a proportion of the market, while shipment growth measures a company’s unit change over time. A company’s share can increase even as its shipments fall if the overall market—or other vendors—declines faster. Counterpoint’s accessible summary does not provide the vendor-level figures needed to quantify how much of Apple’s result came from that effect.
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- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
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How certain are the figures?
Counterpoint’s figures are estimates, and Reuters explicitly characterized them as preliminary. They are not a final audited census. The “14-year low” is a comparison among third quarters; it does not establish that Q3 2026 was the lowest shipment quarter of any season.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe accessible report summary does not state absolute shipment totals, a regional breakdown, detailed methodology, or comparable figures for other manufacturers. Those details cannot be inferred from the 20% decline and Apple’s 22% share.
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- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Sources
- Counterpoint Research, “Global Smartphone Shipments Hit a New Low with 20% YoY Decline, Lowest in 14 Years as Continued Memory Constraints Tighten Supply,” October 12, 2026.
- Reuters, “Global smartphone shipments record worst third quarter in 14 years amid memory shortage,” October 12, 2026.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
