Samsung has regained its position as the global leader in the smartphone market in Q1 2024, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC).

The brand overtakes Apple, which held the top spot at the end of 2023. Other brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Transsion, OPPO/OnePlus, and vivo are also making notable gains.

The report shows a 7.8% year-on-year increase in global smartphone shipments, reaching 289.4 million units in the first quarter. It's the third consecutive quarter of shipment growth, indicating a recovery in the smartphone market.

"As expected, smartphone recovery continues to move forward with market optimism slowly building among the top brands," said Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC's Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers.

The smartphone market is seeing growth in value and average selling prices (ASPs) as consumers opt for more expensive devices, expecting to hold onto their devices longer. There is a shift in power among the Top 5 companies, with Xiaomi recovering from large declines and Transsion growing in international markets.

"The smartphone market is emerging from the turbulence of the last two years both stronger and changed," said Nabila Popal, research director with IDC's Worldwide Tracker team.

Despite negative growth for the top 2 players in the first quarter, Samsung is considered to be in a stronger position than in recent quarters.