Samsung and Apple Defy Global Smartphone Slump Amid Memory Chip Crisis

53 articles · Updated · PhoneArena · Apr 15

Global smartphone shipments fell 4.1% year-on-year in Q1 2026 to 289.7 million units, according to IDC data.
Samsung and Apple were the only top five brands to record growth, with Samsung reclaiming the top spot and Apple close behind.
A global memory chip shortage drove up prices, pressuring budget segments and signaling further challenges for the smartphone industry in 2026.

Will the global memory crisis make sub-$100 smartphones extinct?

The 'RAMmageddon' lasts until 2027; which smartphone brands will survive?

Did Apple's strategic memory hoarding effectively sabotage its Android rivals?

With conflicting reports, who truly won the Q1 2026 smartphone crown?

Is the booming AI industry unintentionally killing the affordable smartphone?

As new phone prices soar, is the booming refurbished market the future?