GITNUXREPORT 2025

Smartphone Industry Statistics

Smartphone market grows, with Android dominant, 5G expanding globally in 2023.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Wireless carriers in the US invested over $70 billion in 5G network infrastructure in 2023

Statistic 2

60% of smartphone users worldwide prefer to use Wi-Fi over mobile data when possible

Statistic 3

As of 2023, approximately 90% of new smartphones shipped include 5G capability

Statistic 4

The global 4G LTE smartphone user base is expected to decline to 400 million by 2024 as 5G adoption surpasses it

Statistic 5

The average screen size of smartphones in 2023 is approximately 6.4 inches

Statistic 6

The use of biometric authentication (fingerprint and facial recognition) on smartphones increased to 70% in 2023

Statistic 7

The average global smartphone battery capacity in 2023 is approximately 4,000 mAh

Statistic 8

The average smartphone camera resolution in 2023 is around 50 megapixels

Statistic 9

The majority of smartphone users in Europe and North America prefer single-lens cameras, with over 60% choosing smartphones with multiple lenses only for better zoom and photography features

Statistic 10

77% of smartphone users in the United States own a device with at least 128GB of storage

Statistic 11

The percentage of smartphones with integrated NFC technology increased to 85% in 2023, primarily for contactless payments

Statistic 12

The presence of dual SIM slots in smartphones increased to 65% of models shipped worldwide in 2023, especially in Asian markets

Statistic 13

The most popular smartphone brand worldwide in 2023 is Samsung, with an estimated 22% market share

Statistic 14

Apple's iPhone 13 accounted for about 18% of all smartphones shipped globally in 2022

Statistic 15

The global market share for handset manufacturers in Q1 2023 was led by Samsung with 20%, followed by Apple with 17%

Statistic 16

About 25% of smartphones sold in 2023 are foldable, representing a significant growth compared to previous years

Statistic 17

As of 2023, Android holds about 71.99% of the global smartphone OS market share

Statistic 18

Apple’s iOS accounted for approximately 27.47% of the global smartphone OS market share in 2023

Statistic 19

China remains the largest smartphone market with over 1 billion users as of 2023

Statistic 20

Android-powered smartphones constitute over 80% of the smartphone market in India

Statistic 21

The total number of smartphone apps available in app stores exceeded 4 million globally in 2023

Statistic 22

Facebook remains the most downloaded social media app on smartphones in 2023

Statistic 23

In 2023, nearly 40% of smartphone shipments were in the budget segment under $300

Statistic 24

The global mobile advertising spend is expected to reach $290 billion in 2023, with smartphones accounting for over 70% of ad impressions

Statistic 25

The fastest growing smartphone operating system in 2023 was Android, with a growth rate of 3.2%

Statistic 26

Approximately 30% of smartphones globally run on outdated operating systems that no longer receive security updates, posing security risks

Statistic 27

The global smartphone market reached approximately 1.39 billion units shipped in 2022

Statistic 28

The average selling price (ASP) of smartphones globally was around $385 in 2023

Statistic 29

Apple's iPhone 14 was the best-selling smartphone model in Q2 2023

Statistic 30

The global 5G smartphone shipments reached approximately 600 million units in 2023, representing a 35% increase from 2022

Statistic 31

Growth in foldable smartphone shipments reached approximately 5 million units globally in 2023, a 60% increase from 2022

Statistic 32

The global smartphone industry's revenue was approximately $522 billion in 2022

Statistic 33

The median price of a premium smartphone in 2023 is around $1,000

Statistic 34

The number of smartphone users worldwide is expected to reach 7.5 billion by 2024

Statistic 35

The global mobile gaming revenue was estimated at over $90 billion in 2023

Statistic 36

The global wearables market, including smartphones with health features, is expected to grow to over 400 million units shipped in 2024

Statistic 37

The majority of smartphone transactions worldwide are now conducted via apps rather than mobile browsers, accounting for over 70% of total mobile e-commerce sales in 2023

Statistic 38

The fastest-growing segment of smartphones is the premium segment above $800, with a 25% increase in shipments in 2023

Statistic 39

Apple’s App Store generated approximately $85 billion in revenue in 2022, representing over 65% of global app store revenue

Statistic 40

Mobile health app downloads increased by 25% in 2023, reaching over 200 million downloads globally

Statistic 41

The global demand for refurbished smartphones is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% through 2025, reaching over 140 million units

Statistic 42

The total revenue from the global smartphone accessories market exceeded $55 billion in 2023, primarily from cases, chargers, and screen protectors

Statistic 43

65% of smartphone users globally are expected to upgrade their device within 3 years as of 2023

Statistic 44

The average lifespan of a smartphone is roughly 2.5 to 3 years

Statistic 45

85% of smartphone users in the U.S. use their smartphone for daily activities like browsing, social media, and shopping

Statistic 46

In 2023, around 4.4 billion people worldwide used smartphones, representing 55.9% of the global population

Statistic 47

The average mobile app retention rate after 30 days is approximately 20%

Statistic 48

About 80% of mobile device owners do not update their device's operating system regularly

Statistic 49

Approximately 50% of smartphone users in developed countries use mobile payment apps frequently

Statistic 50

90% of smartphone users in urban areas use their phones for navigation purposes

Statistic 51

The average time spent on a smartphone per day in 2023 is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes

Statistic 52

Women use smartphones for social networking 15% more frequently than men, according to 2023 studies

Statistic 53

40% of smartphone users globally access streaming services like Netflix or YouTube daily

Statistic 54

The average global time spent on social media via smartphones is roughly 2 hours and 25 minutes per day in 2023

Statistic 55

The majority of smartphone thefts globally are related to thefts during commuting and crowded settings, accounting for 55% of cases

Statistic 56

60% of smartphone users in emerging markets prefer purchasing via mobile apps over mobile browsers

Statistic 57

The average quality score for mobile video streaming apps improved to 4.3 out of 5 in 2023, reflecting increased user satisfaction

Statistic 58

The average app session length on smartphones in 2023 is around 7 minutes

Statistic 59

Over 90% of smartphone users worldwide download at least one app per month

Statistic 60

Over 70% of smartphone users in 2023 access social media via their mobile devices daily

Statistic 61

The average global consumer spends about 3 hours per day on their smartphone in non-communication activities like browsing and gaming

Slide 1 of 61
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

  • The global smartphone market reached approximately 1.39 billion units shipped in 2022
  • As of 2023, Android holds about 71.99% of the global smartphone OS market share
  • Apple’s iOS accounted for approximately 27.47% of the global smartphone OS market share in 2023
  • The average selling price (ASP) of smartphones globally was around $385 in 2023
  • 65% of smartphone users globally are expected to upgrade their device within 3 years as of 2023
  • The most popular smartphone brand worldwide in 2023 is Samsung, with an estimated 22% market share
  • Apple's iPhone 14 was the best-selling smartphone model in Q2 2023
  • The global 5G smartphone shipments reached approximately 600 million units in 2023, representing a 35% increase from 2022
  • China remains the largest smartphone market with over 1 billion users as of 2023
  • The average lifespan of a smartphone is roughly 2.5 to 3 years
  • Growth in foldable smartphone shipments reached approximately 5 million units globally in 2023, a 60% increase from 2022
  • Android-powered smartphones constitute over 80% of the smartphone market in India
  • Apple's iPhone 13 accounted for about 18% of all smartphones shipped globally in 2022

The smartphone industry is witnessing unprecedented growth and innovation, with over 1.39 billion units shipped in 2022, soaring 5G adoption, a booming market for foldable and premium devices, and a global user base projected to reach 7.5 billion by 2024.

Connectivity and Network Trends

  • Wireless carriers in the US invested over $70 billion in 5G network infrastructure in 2023
  • 60% of smartphone users worldwide prefer to use Wi-Fi over mobile data when possible
  • As of 2023, approximately 90% of new smartphones shipped include 5G capability
  • The global 4G LTE smartphone user base is expected to decline to 400 million by 2024 as 5G adoption surpasses it

Connectivity and Network Trends Interpretation

With wireless giants pouring over $70 billion into 5G, nearly all new smartphones sporting the tech, and Wi-Fi still reigning for most, it’s clear that the industry is racing toward a 5G future while savvy users stick to their trusted Wi-Fi—showing that in tech, upgrade enthusiasm still has a patience limit.

Device Features and Specifications

  • The average screen size of smartphones in 2023 is approximately 6.4 inches
  • The use of biometric authentication (fingerprint and facial recognition) on smartphones increased to 70% in 2023
  • The average global smartphone battery capacity in 2023 is approximately 4,000 mAh
  • The average smartphone camera resolution in 2023 is around 50 megapixels
  • The majority of smartphone users in Europe and North America prefer single-lens cameras, with over 60% choosing smartphones with multiple lenses only for better zoom and photography features
  • 77% of smartphone users in the United States own a device with at least 128GB of storage
  • The percentage of smartphones with integrated NFC technology increased to 85% in 2023, primarily for contactless payments
  • The presence of dual SIM slots in smartphones increased to 65% of models shipped worldwide in 2023, especially in Asian markets

Device Features and Specifications Interpretation

In 2023, smartphones have grown larger and more secure, boasting impressive camera resolutions and storage, while nearly all come equipped with contactless payment and biometric features, reflecting a world increasingly obsessed with convenience and high-tech minimalism—yet for many, a single-lens camera still suffices when zooming in on life.

Market Share

  • The most popular smartphone brand worldwide in 2023 is Samsung, with an estimated 22% market share
  • Apple's iPhone 13 accounted for about 18% of all smartphones shipped globally in 2022
  • The global market share for handset manufacturers in Q1 2023 was led by Samsung with 20%, followed by Apple with 17%
  • About 25% of smartphones sold in 2023 are foldable, representing a significant growth compared to previous years

Market Share Interpretation

In a landscape where Samsung continues to dominate with a commanding 22% share, Apple’s iPhone 13 still captures nearly a fifth of global shipments, and foldables are now a quarter of sales—proof that in the smartphone game, innovation and brand loyalty are more intertwined than ever.

Market Share and Operating Systems

  • As of 2023, Android holds about 71.99% of the global smartphone OS market share
  • Apple’s iOS accounted for approximately 27.47% of the global smartphone OS market share in 2023
  • China remains the largest smartphone market with over 1 billion users as of 2023
  • Android-powered smartphones constitute over 80% of the smartphone market in India
  • The total number of smartphone apps available in app stores exceeded 4 million globally in 2023
  • Facebook remains the most downloaded social media app on smartphones in 2023
  • In 2023, nearly 40% of smartphone shipments were in the budget segment under $300
  • The global mobile advertising spend is expected to reach $290 billion in 2023, with smartphones accounting for over 70% of ad impressions
  • The fastest growing smartphone operating system in 2023 was Android, with a growth rate of 3.2%

Market Share and Operating Systems Interpretation

In 2023, Android’s commanding 72% market share and over 80% presence in India, combined with China’s million-plus user base and lucrative mobile advertising landscape, underscores a smartphone ecosystem where budget-conscious consumers, app proliferation, and dominance of Google's OS reinforce the mobile world's unremitting global expansion—making Apple’s iOS a premium but resilient player amid a sea of budget devices and Android’s relentless growth.

Operating Systems

  • Approximately 30% of smartphones globally run on outdated operating systems that no longer receive security updates, posing security risks

Operating Systems Interpretation

With nearly a third of smartphones operating on outdated systems, the industry faces a ticking security time bomb—reminding us that in digital safety, outdated software is the new open door.

Sales and Revenue Metrics

  • The global smartphone market reached approximately 1.39 billion units shipped in 2022
  • The average selling price (ASP) of smartphones globally was around $385 in 2023
  • Apple's iPhone 14 was the best-selling smartphone model in Q2 2023
  • The global 5G smartphone shipments reached approximately 600 million units in 2023, representing a 35% increase from 2022
  • Growth in foldable smartphone shipments reached approximately 5 million units globally in 2023, a 60% increase from 2022
  • The global smartphone industry's revenue was approximately $522 billion in 2022
  • The median price of a premium smartphone in 2023 is around $1,000
  • The number of smartphone users worldwide is expected to reach 7.5 billion by 2024
  • The global mobile gaming revenue was estimated at over $90 billion in 2023
  • The global wearables market, including smartphones with health features, is expected to grow to over 400 million units shipped in 2024
  • The majority of smartphone transactions worldwide are now conducted via apps rather than mobile browsers, accounting for over 70% of total mobile e-commerce sales in 2023
  • The fastest-growing segment of smartphones is the premium segment above $800, with a 25% increase in shipments in 2023
  • Apple’s App Store generated approximately $85 billion in revenue in 2022, representing over 65% of global app store revenue
  • Mobile health app downloads increased by 25% in 2023, reaching over 200 million downloads globally
  • The global demand for refurbished smartphones is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% through 2025, reaching over 140 million units
  • The total revenue from the global smartphone accessories market exceeded $55 billion in 2023, primarily from cases, chargers, and screen protectors

Sales and Revenue Metrics Interpretation

In a world where 1.39 billion smartphones find new homes annually, consumers are willingly paying around $385 for the latest gadgets—driving Apple's reign with the iPhone 14's bestseller status—and fueling a booming ecosystem of 5G, foldables, wearables, and app-driven commerce that collectively raked in over half a trillion dollars, all while more people than ever are turning to refurbished devices and health apps, proving that today’s smartphone isn’t just a device, but the very heartbeat of our digital lives.

User Engagement and Usage Patterns

  • 65% of smartphone users globally are expected to upgrade their device within 3 years as of 2023
  • The average lifespan of a smartphone is roughly 2.5 to 3 years
  • 85% of smartphone users in the U.S. use their smartphone for daily activities like browsing, social media, and shopping
  • In 2023, around 4.4 billion people worldwide used smartphones, representing 55.9% of the global population
  • The average mobile app retention rate after 30 days is approximately 20%
  • About 80% of mobile device owners do not update their device's operating system regularly
  • Approximately 50% of smartphone users in developed countries use mobile payment apps frequently
  • 90% of smartphone users in urban areas use their phones for navigation purposes
  • The average time spent on a smartphone per day in 2023 is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
  • Women use smartphones for social networking 15% more frequently than men, according to 2023 studies
  • 40% of smartphone users globally access streaming services like Netflix or YouTube daily
  • The average global time spent on social media via smartphones is roughly 2 hours and 25 minutes per day in 2023
  • The majority of smartphone thefts globally are related to thefts during commuting and crowded settings, accounting for 55% of cases
  • 60% of smartphone users in emerging markets prefer purchasing via mobile apps over mobile browsers
  • The average quality score for mobile video streaming apps improved to 4.3 out of 5 in 2023, reflecting increased user satisfaction
  • The average app session length on smartphones in 2023 is around 7 minutes
  • Over 90% of smartphone users worldwide download at least one app per month
  • Over 70% of smartphone users in 2023 access social media via their mobile devices daily
  • The average global consumer spends about 3 hours per day on their smartphone in non-communication activities like browsing and gaming

User Engagement and Usage Patterns Interpretation

With over half the world's population glued to their screens and a 3-year upgrade cycle, smartphones are not just devices—they're the digital backbone fueling everything from socializing to shopping, even as many neglect timely updates and face the risk of falling prey to opportunistic thieves in the rush; in essence, in a world where we spend three hours daily non-communicatively, our smartphones are both indispensable and increasingly complex, blinking constantly with new apps, features, and vulnerabilities.