Memory‑chip price spikes shift smartphone makers toward higher‑margin models. MediaTek still leads the market, but its share fell from 38 % in Q1 2025 to 32 % this quarter as entry‑level sales slump. The company’s Dimensity 8450 drives mid‑range shipments, powering Oppo Reno 15 series phones. These devices have seen sales jump by nearly 20 % compared to last year, reinforcing the shift toward premium devices while lower‑end models struggle to compete with newer features.

Qualcomm sits second, yet its year‑over‑year share slipped because the Galaxy S26 series launched late and some units ship with Samsung’s Exynos 2600. Snapdragon 4 and 6 series also feel the squeeze as low‑margin phones decline. Samsung’s own Exynos line grew, driven by the A57’s 1680 and A37’s 1480 chips and increased demand for flagship models globally.

Apple remains third, its shipments rising thanks to the iPhone 17e, which outsold the 16e dramatically. The new model runs the current A19 chip, boosting performance while maintaining cost control. Unisoc also gains traction with its T7250 and T8300 chips, carving a niche in 4G‑only and 5G Redmi phones and expanding its market share globally today.

HiSilicon’s Kirin 9000 shipments dipped slightly, but the new Huawei Mate 80 lineup keeps premium demand alive. The data underline a broader trend: as memory costs rise, manufacturers pivot to high‑end devices that absorb losses, while low‑margin models falter. The market now favors chipsets that power flagship phones in a competitive landscape that shapes consumer choices.