While sales in the smartphone industry as a whole have declined, sales of premium smartphones are increasing. Anyone who buys a new device is not afraid to pay a high price for it.

The smartphone industry hasn’t exactly had its best year. Smartphone sales showed a downward trend for several quarters in a row, although there was an improvement towards the end of 2023. One segment stands out positively: the premium class. Counterpoint Research, which closely monitors the global smartphone industry, estimates that six percent more premium smartphones will be sold in 2023 than in 2022.

To be clear: Counterpoint Research gives the “Premium” label to all smartphones that cost six hundred euros or more. The analysis agency does not differentiate between the Fairphone 5 (699 euros, including VAT) or the iPhone 15 Pro Max (1,479 euros, including VAT). This means that every fourth device sold today falls into this premium class. This means that premium smartphones account for sixty percent of market sales. The segment of “ultra-premium” devices (from 1,000 euros) is recording the strongest growth.

Don’t skimp on quality

Counterpoint has an explanation for this striking shift towards more expensive devices in consumer purchasing behavior. You want to be able to continue using a new device for as long as possible and are willing to pay a premium for it. Premium smartphones are only characterized by more stable workmanship, and manufacturers usually also offer longer support for their more expensive devices.

Apple remains the undisputed king in the premium segment with a market share of 71 percent, although it will record a decline of four percent by 2022. Samsung follows with seventeen percent. The South Korean manufacturer has a wide premium range with the S23 and Z Fold devices, but it is the mid-range devices (like the Galaxy A54) that have helped Samsung achieve mass success. Huawei is also still in the premium segment at five percent, thanks to sales in its home country of China.

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