Scoop on the Smartphone Scene
Google solidified its dominance in Canada's high-end smartphone market last year thanks to strong sales of the Pixel 9.
Get the lowdown on Canada's smartphone market's thrilling twist!
Canada's smartphone sales took a minimal hit in '23, but premium phones are stealing the limelight. Apple still reigns supreme in high-end devices, closely trailed by Samsung's blend of high-priced flagships and budget-friendly premium picks [1][3]. Google Pixel is nipping at their heels, securing the third spot in Canada's premium sprint [3].
Canadians are gravitating towards premium tech, and the demand for intelligent, robust smartphones that boast AI integration, blazing-fast performance, stellar cameras, and pin-sharp displays is on the rise [1][3].
Carriers' cleverness boosting premium phones
Bell, Rogers, and TELUS are fueling the trend by offering reduced prices, jaw-dropping deals with service plans, and making those high-end devices a seemingly affordable choice for savvy consumers.
Foldables are making a splashy debut in Canada, with lead players like Samsung and Google (with its Pixel 9 Pro Fold) getting in on the action.
Mid-range matters
The appeal of mid-range devices remains strong as industry heavyweights like Apple, Google, and Samsung introduce more budget-friendly options, such as the iPhone 16e, Pixel 9a, Galaxy A16, and A36 [3]. Despite premium phones leading the charge, mid-range devices continue to appeal to a broad audience [3].
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[1] Counterpoint Research: [Report Link][3] Brand Comparison: Premium and Mid-Range Devices: [Comparison Chart]
For the tech-savvy reader
Apple's iPhone 16 series and Samsung's Galaxy S series continue their dominance over Canada's premium smartphone market, with Apple leading the charge by far and Samsung holding a robust position in the high-end segment [1][3]. Google Pixel is also making serious strides, fueled by the success of its Pixel 9 series and capturing a top 3 spot [3].
Compared to the mid-range market segment, premium devices—those with a price tag over US$700—account for over 75% of all sales in Canada [3]. This highlights the Canadian market's strong preference for premium devices, but also the continuing importance of mid-range offerings for market accessibility.
| Segment | Leading Brands | Notable Devices | Typical Price Range | Sales Impact ||--------------|--------------------|--------------------------|----------------------|------------------|| Premium | Apple, Samsung, Google | iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, Pixel 9 | $700+ | Majority of sales || Mid-Range | Apple, Samsung, Google | iPhone 16e, Pixel 9a, Galaxy A16/A36 | $200–$600 | Broader accessibility |
Gadget enthusiasts should note that the demand for smartphones with AI integration, blazing-fast performance, stellar cameras, and pin-sharp displays, often referred to as premium phones, is surging in Canada. Apple, Samsung, and Google, the key players in this market, are introducing high-end devices like the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, Pixel 9 (and its foldable counterpart, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold), and budget-friendly premium options such as the iPhone 16e, Pixel 9a, and Galaxy A16/A36 in the mid-range segment. Despite premium devices accounting for over 75% of all sales in Canada, the appeal of mid-range devices remains strong, catering to a broader audience.
