More and more people choose to buy high-end smartphones

An estimated 25% of smartphones shipped globally in 2024 will have an average retail price (ASP) of $600 or more. New data from Counterpoint Research shows that the trend of “premiumization” in the smartphone market is accelerating, with more people opting for more expensive models than before.

The premium smartphone market share has increased from 15% in 2020 to 25% in 2024, as the premiumization trend attracts a large number of buyers who want to own feature-rich devices.

Apple will continue to lead this segment in 2024, accounting for more than 67% of the global premium phone market share, down 6% from 2023. Behind them are a series of familiar names from the Android world, including Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and Google. The rise of these companies has slightly reduced Apple's market share, but not enough to shake the position of the Apple.

Super Premium Segment Growing Strongly

In the premium price segment, the market share of "ultra-premium" phone models (ASP >= 1,000 USD) has exceeded 40% for the first time, as more and more people want to buy the most advanced versions.

When it comes to ultra-premium devices, Apple once again took the lead, with the average selling price of its iPhone surpassing $900 for the first time. The Counterpoint Research report notes that device makers have begun to prioritize revenue over volume, and the 8% year-over-year growth in the premium segment even outpaced the 5% growth of the overall smartphone market.

US and China Lead the Luxury Market

While the US may not have the fastest internet in the world, it does have the highest share of the premium phone market. The report says the US will be the largest contributor to the premium segment in 2024, with a 25% share, closely followed by China at 24%.

Meanwhile, India, one of the largest smartphone markets by volume, has seen a five-fold growth in the premium segment since 2020 as customers favor top brands. While some customers may not be able to afford expensive phones in one go, simpler financing schemes and trade-in offers have made expensive phones accessible to the majority.

The Trend of Premiumization Continues

“The premiumization trend is expected to continue, albeit at a slightly slower pace, as emerging regions continue to move into higher price segments. The premium segment is expected to continue to grow in China, driven by the integration of smartphones into subsidy programs,” the report said.

Reasons Why High-End Smartphones Are Popular

There are many reasons why premium smartphones are more accessible to more customers despite their high price tags. People looking for a better overall user experience often opt for premium features like more powerful processors, better cameras, high-quality displays, and GenAI features.

The important takeaway is that manufacturers are trying to offer multi-year software support and future-proof hardware to ensure the longevity of their products. Samsung and Google have started offering up to seven years of software support for their Pixel and Galaxy flagship devices, surpassing even Apple’s five-year support for the iPhone.

In Apple’s case, the report said ecosystem engagement played a key role in luring users away from cheaper phones. Apple CEO Tim Cook also said on the Q1 2025 earnings call that iPhone 16 models are selling better in markets where Apple Intelligence is deployed.