Amid RAMageddon, the global smartphone market is in a rough state. Despite hitting its lowest point since 2013, Google Pixel is apparently one of the few brands seeing growth in 2026 according to the latest data.
Counterpoint Research reports that Q2 2026 saw the global smartphone market shrinking yet again, this time by 11% year-over-year. That’s enough to push shipments to their lowest point since 2013 – that’s only looking at second-quarter results, though.
It all boils down to the ongoing memory crisis, as smartphone prices continue to fluctuate wildly, sequels get shelved, and more impacts are felt.
The report doesn’t directly detail growth/decline numbers for most brands, but one bright spot is Google Pixel, which apparently saw 16% year-over-year growth in Q2 on the global stage. Counterpoint attributes this to the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a’s performance in “mature markets.”
Other brands are detailed as follows:
- Samsung: “Strongest growth” among top 5 brands
- Apple: 3% year-over-year growth
- Xiaomi: Over 10% decline, 12% market share
- Oppo: Over 10% decline, 11% market share
- Vivo: Over 10% decline, 8% market share
- Huawei: 6% growth
It’s pretty bleak out there.
Market share numbers also shuffled around, with Samsung and Apple taking bigger shares as other brands continue to shrink.
The report warns that overall shipment numbers will continue to decline as the memory crisis isn’t ending anytime soon.
More on Google Pixel:
- This might be the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Fold in their new colors [Gallery]
- Google temporarily offers open Pixel Care+ enrollment for Pixel 9 and 10
- Google might rebrand Pixel Magic Cue as Gemini ‘Proactive Assistance’
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