Samsung once again Southeast Asia's fave smartphone

Samsung Electronics Co. posted an 18.9 percent share in the Southeast Asian smartphone market in the first quarter to edge out its Chinese rivals for the top spot in the region.

Oppo came in second with 18.7 percent, followed by fellow Chinese players Xiaomi coming in third with 14.8 percent, Vivo at fourth with 13.6 percent, and Realme making the fifth spot with 7.3 percent.

Before it was dislodged by Oppo in the fourth quarter of last year, Samsung was the top brand in Southeast Asia.

According to Counterpoint Research, sales of smartphones costing between $600 and $900 surged from four to 10 percent in the first quarter, which bode well for Samsung.

Meanwhile, those priced less than US$100 accounted for 27 percent in the first quarter, plunging from 46 percent last year.

Chinese phone makers have been expanding their presence with budget phones.

In terms of global sales, China's Huawei claimed 21.4 percent of the market in April to dislodge Samsung as the world's largest smartphone vendor. Samsung had a 19.1 percent share.

As of the first quarter, Samsung was still the top smartphone supplier with its 18.5 percent share, beating Huawei's 14.2 percent.

Chinese phone makers rely mostly on the domestic market, while Samsung has been selling at major markets like Europe, which suffered heavily during the pandemic.