Counterpoint Research expects Samsung Electronics to regain the lead in the smartphone market this year. According to Sina Finance, the firm said Samsung’s highly integrated supply chain and mature distribution network should help it stand out as memory chip prices rise.

Counterpoint now expects global handset shipments to fall 14.3% in 2026 as the memory supply shortage worsens. Samsung’s shipments are forecast to rise 0.8%, slightly ahead of other manufacturers, while the overall smartphone market is expected to decline again in 2027 before recovering the following year.

Counterpoint said Apple, like Samsung, is expected to withstand pricing pressure from higher component costs, but its researchers are more cautious on the iPhone maker. Outside Samsung, only China’s Huawei has built its own hardware supply system and is expected to maintain significant growth. Counterpoint’s chief analyst said Samsung’s return to the top depends on its in-house component manufacturing, broad product lineup, and strong relationships with carriers and retailers.