Global Smartphone Chipsets Market Share results for Q1 2026 revealed by Counterpoint; MediaTek continues to stay at the top position
With the rise in memory prices, the mid-range smartphones have already seen a price hike in global as well as Indian markets, resulting in a decrease in sales of these models. The rising prices are also affecting chipset markers and this was clearly visible in the Q1, 2026 results shared by Counterpoint.
Global Smartphone Chipsets Market Share Results for Q1, 2026
| Brands | Q1 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026 |
| MediaTek | 41% | 34% | 37% | 31% | 38% | 36% | 34% | 31% | 32% |
| Qualcomm | 27% | 30% | 24% | 25% | 27% | 26% | 25% | 21% | 23% |
| Apple | 16% | 15% | 17% | 21% | 15% | 15% | 17% | 23% | 19% |
| UNISOC | 9% | 14% | 13% | 14% | 10% | 13% | 14% | 15% | 14% |
| Samsung | 5% | 4% | 5% | 4% | 5% | 6% | 6% | 5% | 7% |
| HiSilicon (Huawei) | 2% | 3% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 3% | 4% | 4% |
| Others | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
Among the chipset makers, MediaTek has continued to maintain its top position in the market, though the overall shipments declined YoY in Q1, 2026. In Q1, 2025, the overall shipments were 38%, while in Q1, 2026, the shipments declined to 32%. According to Counterpoint, shipments in the mainstream and entry-level segments were impacted due to memory shortage, while premium-tier shipments also witnessed a slight decline. It is said that MediaTek is unlikely to launch the Dimensity 9500+ SoC, and OEMs are expected to adopt the Dimensity 9500 SoC. In Q1 2026, shipments were driven by the Dimensity 8450 SoC, supported by the strong performance of the Oppo Reno 15 series.
Qualcomm’s shipment also declined YoY by 4% in Q1, 2026. Premium segment shipments were impacted, while shipments of the Snapdragon 400 and 600 series were also affected due to the ongoing memory shortage.
Apple’s chipset shipment witnessed an increase in Q1 2026. As per the report, there are two reasons for this result: the launch of the iPhone 17e that features Apple’s A19 SoC and increased sales for the iPhone 17 series, especially the Pro models.
UNISOC’s shipments have also increased YoY in Q1, 2026. The company’s LTE segment was supported by design wins for the T7250, and in the entry-level 5G segment, gained share due to T8300 design wins with leading smartphone OEMs. Meanwhile, Samsung’s chipset shipments also increased YoY in Q1, 2026. The shipments were driven by Exynos 2600 (Galaxy S26 series base variants), Exynos 1680 (Galaxy A57) and Exynos 1480 (Galaxy A37).
Then, at the last spot is HiSilicon, whose shipments declined YoY in Q1, 2026. The premium-segment shipments increased due to the Huawei Mate 80 series, whereas the mid-tier segment declined.
