KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 25): Global smartphone sales to end-users declined 6.8% in the third quarter of 2021 (3Q21), compared to the same time period in 2020.

Technology research and consulting firm Gartner Inc on Tuesday (Nov 23) said component shortages disrupted production schedules, leading to lower inventory and delayed product availability, which eventually impacted sales to end-users.

Gartner senior research director Anshul Gupta said despite strong consumer demand, smartphone sales declined due to delayed product launches, longer delivery schedule and insufficient inventory at the channel.

“Supply constraints impacted the production schedule of basic and utility smartphones much more than premium smartphones,” he said.

Gartner said the current shortage of components, such as radio frequency and power management integrated circuits, delayed smartphone production globally.

It said this disrupted the supply-demand equilibrium and end-users were burdened with limited choices at point of sale. Sales of premium smartphones continued to grow even though overall smartphones sales declined in the quarter.

The firm said Apple reclaimed the second position in sales to end-users and Xiaomi moved back to No.3 in 3Q21.

Meanwhile, Samsung maintained its overall lead in smartphone sales, though its market share declined 1.9% year-over-year.

Even with the overall decline, Samsung experienced growth of its premium smartphones, led by strong demand for revamped foldable smartphones.

Chinese smartphone vendors Xiaomi, Vivo and OPPO increased their market share by 1%, 2.4% and 1.7% respectively, year-over-year.