Top 20 Smartphone Brands in the World in 2021

There are many top Smartphones in the world with advanced features but a few of them beat the others in terms of their overall sales across the globe. With smartphones becoming very important in the lives of the population’s majority, the industry has undergone an evolution in 2021, with competition becoming even stiffer. Smartphone designs have been revolutionized in the past few years, thereby shifting the popularity ratings of different companies.

As a result, we have come to notice a lot of aggressiveness in the way new phones are being released for the market every other day. Here is an in-depth look at the top 20 Smartphone brands in the world in 2021 based on the brand valuation and revenue data.

In the year 2020, the smartphone brands market was estimated at 714.96 billion dollars and the expected future growth rate was at 11.2%. Popular smartphones player are competing fiercely with each other for a position at the top.

The largest mobile phones market is none other than the Asia-Pacific region and almost all the top smartphone brands are vying for a huge chunk of this market.

The Top 20 Smartphone Brands in the World in 2021 includes

1. Samsung (Samsung Electronics)

• Origin Country: South Korea
• Founder: Lee Byung-chul
• Founded: 1969
• Headquarters: Samsung Digital City, South Korea.
• Revenues: 211.2 billion USD (Samsung Electronics) 31st March 2021
• Net Worth: $ 95 billion
• Net Income: 22.4 billion USD (2020)
• Production Capacity: 394 million units per year
• Sales: 321.2 million units
• Employees: 287,439 (2020)

Samsung has surpassed Apple and is placed at the 1st position in the list of top 20 smartphone brands in the world in 2021 as it boasts of mobile devices that are cost-effective and user-friendly with the best available software.

The smartphone segment is handled by Samsung Electronics which is a subsidiary of its parent company Samsung Group. It has spread its product presence to the worldwide market and operates through an existing sales network that has a reach in 74 countries.

Samsung Electronics has surpassed Apple iPhone based on the number of units sold.

Current models

• Galaxy S21Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Galaxy S21 5G
• Galaxy Note 20

Upcoming devices

• Galaxy Z Fold 2

2. Apple

• Origin Country: United States of America
• Founder: Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak
• Founded: 1976
• Headquarters: 1 Apple Park Way Cupertino, US
• Net Worth: $ 2 trillion
• Production Capacity: 217.72 million iPhones per year
• Sales: 217+ million units
• Employees: 147,000 (1st January 2021)
• Revenues: $ 274.5 billion (31st December 2020)
• Net Income: $ 76.311 billion (31st March 2021) an increase of 33.38%
• Market Cap: $ 2,098.47 billion
• Brand value: $ 352.06 billion

As of January 2021, Apple has the distinction of being the fourth-largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world. It is a favourite brand for people who are looking for a luxury and unique model.

Apple entered the iPhone market in 2007 and since then has been unstoppable because of high consumer loyalty. The brand sells its devices through 511 retail stores spread over 21 countries of the globe

Current models

• iPhone 12Pro Max
• iPhone 10
• iPhone SE 2020

Upcoming devices

• Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

3. Google Pixel

• Origin Country: United States of America
• Founder: Google LLC
• Launch Date: 2013
• Headquarters: Mountain View, US
• Net Worth: $ 320 billion (Google)
• Production Capacity: 10 million units per year
• Sales: 9.5+ million units
• Revenue: $ 3.5 billion (2018)
• Expected revenue for December 2021: 6.92 billion USD

Google Pixel stands in 3rd position as the top smartphone brands and acts as a subsidiary of Google to handle electronic consumer devices. The Google Pixel line is associated with smartphones, tablets and laptops and runs on both Android and Chrome OS.

The android phones from Google Pixel have a global presence and high demand.

Current models

• Google Pixel 5 (5G)
• Google Pixel 4XL

Upcoming devices

• Google Pixel 5A
• Google Pixel 6Pro

4. OnePlus

 

• Origin Country: China
• Founder: Carl Pei and Pete Lau
• Launch Date: 16th December 2013
• Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
• Net Worth: $ 1.5 billion
• Production Capacity: 7.5 million units per year
• Sales: 7+ million units
• Revenue: $ 1.5 billion

OnePlus is the consumer electronics division of BBK Electronics that manufactures smartphones, power banks, earphones and phone cases etc. The company has spread its presence to more than 34 countries and has appointed celebrities like Robert Downey Jr and Amitabh Bachchan for product endorsement.

OnePlus has entered into a deal with Hasselblad on 8th March 2021 for developing camera technology for its products especially the upcoming OnePlus 9 series.

Current models

• OnePlus 7 Pro
• Concept One Smartphone
• OnePlus 8 Pro

Upcoming devices

• OnePlus Nord N10

5. Huawei

 

• Origin Country: China
• Founder: Ren Zhengfei
• Launched date: September 1987
• Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
• Net Worth: $ 70.50 billion
• Production Capacity: 200 million units per year
• Sales: 107.13+ billion USD
• Revenues: $ 136.23 billion (2020)
• Net Income: 9.88 billion (2020)

Huawei has a product presence in 170 countries and is now acknowledged as the 5th top brand in the smartphone market.

Highly developed processors, the best camera, innovative specifications, top design, beautiful features and lasting battery power have helped the multinational company in creating a niche market for its products

Current models

• Huawei Mate 20 Lite
•  Huawei Enjoy 20 SE
• P40 Pro Plus

Upcoming devices

• Huawei Mate X
• Huawei Nova 7 Pro

6. Xiaomi

• Origin Country: China
• Founded: 6th April 2010
• Release date of 1st smartphone: August 2011
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Net Worth: $ 51 billion
• Production Capacity: 206 million units per year
• Sales: 119 billion units
• Revenues: $ 37.63 billion (2020)
• Revenues: $ 12 billion Q1 2021 an up of 54.7%
• Net Income: $ 3.11 billion (2020)
• Employees: 22,074 ( 31st December 2020)

Xiaomi is one of the privately-owned Chinese brands known for designing and marketing android smartphones. The company has physical stores in only Singapore and China and mostly sells its products via flash sales.

Xiaomi is the fourth-largest global mobile phone brands to develop mobile SoC capabilities.

Current models

• Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G
• Redmi Note 9 Pro
• Black Shark 2 Pro

Latest product

• Redmi 9T was launched on 8th January 2021

Upcoming devices

• Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro

7. Oppo

• Origin Country: China
• Founded: 2001
• Launched date: 2004
• Founder: Tony Chen
• Headquarters: Dongguan, China
• Net Worth: $ 456 million
• Production Capacity: 29.8 million units per year
• Shipped: 38 million units
• Revenues: $ 137.7 million

Oppo is one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers in the world and has spread mobile brands presence to 40 countries through a network of 200,000 retailers.

Oppo is one of the popular Chinese brands in the market. It is a subsidiary of its parent company BBK Electronics and comes highly recommended because of its distinctive cameras, vivid colours, battery durability, high configuration and superior gaming capability.

Oppo offerings are meant to target both low segment audience looking for affordable products and affluent customers on the lookout for something special and distinct.

Current models

• Oppo Find X2 Pro
• Oppo Reno 4Z

Upcoming products

• Oppo X 2021 concept smartphone
• Oppo AR Glass 2021

8. Vivo

• Origin Country: China
•  Launched date: 2009
• Co-founders : Shen Wei and Duan Yongping
• Headquarters: Dongguan, China
• Net Worth: $ 500 million
• Production Capacity: 50 million units per year
• Sales: 46 million units
• Revenues: $ 95 million
• Employees: 10,000 (2020)

Vivo, a subsidiary of BBK Electronics Corp, is one of the top brands in the smartphone overall markets. The technology company develops and designs smartphones and smartphone accessories along with online services and software for the phones.

Vivo acts independently from its parent company and sells products under its brand name. It sells devices under affordable, mid-range and flagship sections to target audiences of every kind

Current models

• Vivo X50 Pro
•  Vivo V21 5G

Latest product

•  Y51A

Upcoming devices

• iQOO Neo 5
• iQOO 7 Series
• Vivo S21 5G

9. Sony

• Origin Country: Japan
• Launched date: 1st October 2001
• Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
• Net Worth: $ 95 billion
• Production Capacity: 7 million units per year
• Sales: 6.5 million units
• Revenues: 77 billion USD

Sony is a conglomerate that has a diversified product line. It has its feet firmly on the ground in the smartphone overall market with some high-end products that boast of the latest technology, SoC capabilities, high-end specifications and features like durable battery and water resistance.

Sony Ericsson mobiles have put the onus only on high-end and mid-range smartphones under the brand name Experia and since 1st April 2021, the company has once again merged with its parent Sony Corporation.

Current models

• Sony Xperia 5
• Sony Xperia PRO

Upcoming devices

Sony Xperia 2021 phones

• H3113
• H4311
• H3321

10. Asus

• Origin Country: Taiwan
• Launched Date: April 1989
• Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
• Net Worth: $ 5.90 billion
• Production Capacity: 40 million units per year
• Sales: 32 million units
• Revenues: 66 million USD
• Brand Value: 1.3 billion USD

Asus is ranked at 10th position in the smartphone market and first in the IT hardware category. The company is known for its android smartphones with Intel processors and twin sim slots along with feature phones running on Windows Mobile and hybrid devices with smartphones

Current models

• Asus ROG Phone 5 Series
• ZenFone 8 Series

11. Realme

• Origin Country: China
• Launched: 4th May 2018
• Founder: Sky Li
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Net Worth: $ 50 million
• Units shipped: 35 million units
• Revenues: $ 16 million

Realme is a sub-brand of Oppo who is itself a subsidiary of BBK Electronics. The smartphone brand has put its onus on devices that boast superior design, high-end capabilities, solid performance and advanced know-how.

By the year 2021, Realme has a widespread user base in Asia and Europe.

Current models

• Realme X7 Pro Ultra
• Realme 8Pro

Upcoming devices

• Realme X50

12. Tecno Mobile

• Origin Country: China
• Launched Date: 2006
• Founder and CEO: George Zho
• Headquarters: Shenzen, China
• Net Worth: $ 410 million
• Revenues: $ 1 billion (2020)

Tecno Mobile is associated with mobile brands and manufactures smartphones for markets like Africa, South Asia and Latin America. It acts as a subsidiary of its parent company Transsion Holdings who was the largest manufacturer of smartphones in Africa in the year 2017 based on sales.

Current models

• Tecno Phantom 9
• Camon 6
• Tecno Pova

13. LG

 

• Origin Country: South Korea
• Founder: Koo in-Hwoi
• Founded: 1958
• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Net Worth: $ 26 billion
• Production Capacity: 5 million units per year
• Sales: 5.23 billion USD

LG Electronics is the consumer electronics division of the LG Corporation that designs and manufactures smartphones. This segment of the company has been in the red for the last six years and shows an accumulated loss of 4.4 billion

No new devices will be launched in recent times as per a news release by LG Electronics as they are putting the onus on other high-earning products

Current models

• LG Wing 5G
• LG V30+

14. ZTE

• Origin Country: China
• Launched: 1985
• Founder: Hou Weigui
• Headquarters: Guangdong, China
• Net Worth: $ 16.90 billion
• Production Capacity: 45 million units per year
• Sales: 40 million units
• Revenues: $ 5.6 billion

ZTE has the distinction of being one of the top five largest manufacturers of smartphone in China. The company has used high-quality resources and establish new channels for business to capture the smartphone market.

ZTE has managed to achieve 85.7% growth since its launch and it is a remarkable feat for the company.

Current models

• ZTE Axon 20 5G
• Blade A5

Upcoming devices

• Axon 30 Series

15. Nokia

• Origin Country: Finland
• Launched: 12th May 1865
• Headquarters: Espoo, Finland
• Net Worth: $ 20.50 billion
• Production Capacity: 18 million units per year
• Sales: 17.5 million annual sales
• Revenues: 23 billion Euros in 2020

Nokia is a multinational company associated with consumer electronics, IT and telecommunications. The publicly traded company has a global presence in 130 countries and operates with more than 92,999 employees.

Upgraded software, durable battery life and sturdy hardware have been at the core of this company that has a strong and loyal customer base.

Current models

• Nokia 8.3
• Nokia 7 Plus

Upcoming devices

• Nokia X20 5G
• Nokia G10

16. Motorola

• Origin Country: United States of America
• Co-founders: Paul and Joseph Galvin
• Founded: 1928
• Motorola Mobility LLC (smartphone): 4th January 2011
• Headquarters: Illinois, US
• Net Worth: $ 24.90 billion
• Production Capacity: 15 million units per year
• Sales: 12 million units
• Revenues: $ 7.4 billion

Motorola brand has been successful in maintaining a fine balance between quality and price. The company manufactures mobile phone devices like smartphones that run on the Android OS.

The brand now operates under Lenovo and has put the onus on the entry-level smartphone market with Moto M, Moto C, Moto X4, Moto Razr and Moto Edge+

Current models

• Motorola Razr 5G
• Moto g6

Upcoming devices:

• Motorola Edge S

17. HTC

• Origin Country: Taiwan
• Launched Date: 1997
• Headquarters: New Taipei City, Taiwan
• Net Worth: $ 2.0 billion
• Production Capacity: 30k units per year
• Sales: 15k units
• Revenues: 791 million USD

HTC is a consumer electronics company that used to manufacture smartphones with windows mobile and later switched to the android operating system. The mobile phone devices boast high-end audio, stunning design, durable battery life and the best selfie

Current models

• HTC U12+
• HTC U11 Life

Upcoming devices

• HTC One M8 2021 Edition

18. Panasonic

• Origin Country: Japan
• Founded: 7th March 1918
• Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
• Net Worth: $ 17.85 billion
• Production Capacity: 7.5 million units per year
• Sales: 4.6 million units
• Revenues: 2.6 billion USD

Panasonic Corporation is a consumer electronics company that offers several products like smartphones to its customers. The brand boasts of mid-range and affordable product lineup with quality features, and high-end specifications. It has a primary listing on Tokyo Stock Exchange

Current models

• Eluga X1 Pro
• P85 Nxt

19. Honor

• Origin Country: China
• Founder: Ren Zhengfei
• Launched date: 2013
• Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
• Production Capacity: 20 million units per year
• Sales: 16+ billion USD

Honor acts as a subsidiary of Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co Ltd since 17th November 2020. It is primarily a smartphone handset brand although it also deals in wearable technology and tablet computers.

Current models

• Honor 30 Pro Plus
• 20 Lite

Latest Launch

• V40 5G

20. Lenovo

 

• Origin Country: China
• Incorporated in Hong Kong
• Founded: 1st November 1984
• Founder: Liu Chuanzhi
• Launched Date: September 1987
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Revenues: $ 50.71 billion (2020)
• Net Income: 804 million (2020)

Lenovo designs manufacture and develop smartphones along with other consumer electronics. The company has spread its product presence to 180 countries and has operations in 60 of them.

Lenovo entered the smartphone market in 2012 and became the largest vendor in 2014.

Current models

• Lenovo Z2 Plus
• Lenovo Z5 Pro GT

Latest device

• Legion Phone Duel 2

Conclusion

The innovative approach adopted by smartphone brands has helped the market of mobile phone brands to see significant changes in recent years. Companies that are offering smartphone models with improved interface design, the best hardware and the latest technological advancements have become the favorite of people on the lookout for good mobile brands.