Counterpoint has recently unveiled a fascinating trend in smartphone Application Processor (AP) shipments and System on Chip (SoC) data from Q1 2022 to Q2 2023. Surprisingly, MediaTek has maintained its position as the top contender in the SoC market for an impressive 12 consecutive quarters.
In the Q2 2023 data, MediaTek commands a substantial market share of 30%, with Qualcomm closely following at 29%. Apple retains a 19% market share, while UNISOC secures 15%, and Samsung trails with a 7% market share.
MediaTek’s stronghold in the SoC market in recent months can be attributed to strategic initiatives. They introduced a range of new SoC models, including the Dimensity 6000 and 7000 series, and strengthened their position with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus in the high-end segment. This diversification strategy enabled MediaTek to capture a significant portion of the smartphone market across various price points.
Qualcomm’s SoC shipments have displayed resilience, with consistent growth from one quarter to the next. This resilience is particularly evident in the premium smartphone segment, where devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 played a significant role in boosting the popularity of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Additionally, Qualcomm’s updates to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, 6 Gen 1, and 4 Gen 1 have contributed to their market resurgence.
Apple, on the other hand, experienced a noticeable decline during this period, primarily due to seasonal factors, especially in anticipation of the latest iPhone series release. UNISOC and Samsung’s Exynos SoCs made notable advancements, driven by the successful sales of their entry and mid-range smartphones in the market.
In summary, MediaTek’s continued dominance, Qualcomm’s resilience, and the competitive dynamics among other industry players have collectively shaped the recent landscape of the SoC market.
