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Samsung leads in smartphone market share, but mid-to-low-end shipments decline due to economic factors and competition. In 2026, select flagship models will feature Exynos 2600, segmenting markets. LPDDR4X supply is tight, likely driving price increases. SanDisk raised NAND Flash prices, but weak demand limits contract price impact, with server demand offering future support. MediaTek and Samsung will launch LPDDR5X-compatible processors, easing LPDDR4X shortages.
In 2Q25, global smartphone production saw a slight increase due to seasonal demand and inventory adjustments. Production estimates for 2025 and 2026 suggest steady growth. Mobile DRAM revenue was driven by low baselines, higher shipments, and price increases. Reduced LPDDR4X supply led to panic buying and significantly higher prices.
The iPhone 17 lineup officially welcomes a new ultra-thin flagship model. Apart from the base variant, all models in the series feature notable upgrades in design and hardware specifications. Although the overall smartphone market faces increasing challenges, both in demand and pricing, shipments are still expected to see slight growth over last year. The Pro series will remain the primary sales driver, while the market acceptance and sales performance of the new Air model will require time to be validated.
Smartphone production is recovering due to seasonal demand and inventory adjustments. Top brands dominate. China's subsidy offers limited long-term impact. Market uncertainty demands agile, diversified strategies.
Amid rising geopolitical awareness, smartphone brands have gradually diversified production to countries like India and Vietnam in recent years; however, China remains the primary manufacturing hub in the short term, with no plans for U.S.-based facilities at present. In light of the recent series of U.S. tariff negotiations, any expansion of tariffs to include smartphone manufacturing origins would inevitably impact all brands. In the memory segment, LPDDR4X prices are expected to see another significant increase, while the supply-demand balance for NAND Flash remains relatively stable.
Benefiting from a low base effect, as well as simultaneous increases in shipment volume and pricing, the 2Q25 Mobile DRAM market delivered an outstanding revenue performance. In terms of market share, Samsung maintained its leadership position, while SK hynix, driven by significant shipment growth, reclaimed the second spot globally. Looking ahead, with seasonal demand and upward price momentum continuing to strengthen, the market’s revenue outlook remains optimistic.
In 2Q25, global smartphone production reached approximately 300 million units, up 4% quarter-over-quarter and 4.8% year-over-year. In terms of market share, Samsung maintained its leading position, benefiting from stable demand for its A series and proactive inventory buildup in response to U.S. tariffs, achieving improved production compared to the previous year. Apple ranked second globally; while facing challenges in China due to Huawei’s resurgence and setbacks in AI-related topics, it managed to sustain first-half sales in China at last year’s level through price reductions and subsidy strategies. Xiaomi maintained steady growth and ranked third worldwide, relying on expansion into emerging markets and benefiting from favorable policies in China.
In the mobile DRAM market, price disparities among different applications remain significant. Due to greater-than-expected increases in 3Q25 contract prices, pricing negotiations in the PC and smartphone sectors have progressed slowly, while prices for consumer products are being updated frequently. The volatility in mobile DRAM prices is increasing end-product costs and may dampen future sales momentum.
In 2025, the electronics industry sees diverging trends: strong AI demand, weak consumer devices, early pull-in erases seasonality, and future growth slows.
Driven by both reduced supply and intensified price competition among suppliers, contract prices for LPDDR4X in 3Q25 have seen further significant increases. LPDDR5X prices have also risen, supported by market sentiment, though the magnitude of the increase has been comparatively moderate. However, such sharp price fluctuations have added to cost pressures, with the low-end smartphone market bearing the brunt of the impact. The upward trend in prices is expected to persist in the short term.
Contract price rises are slowing, and spot market gains are limited. Suppliers are reducing LPDDR4X supply while mid-range smartphone demand remains strong, leading to panic buying. Although some production cuts may slow, the market trend is towards new-generation products.
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