The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a premium-first smartphone market. Even though overall smartphone shipments fell 4% year-over-year in Q1 2025 to 11.7 million units, shipments in the $600+ segment increased by 17% over Q1 2024.

This represents a significant opportunity for premium smartphone vendors like Samsung and Apple, though the Korean giant is having a much better time of it than its Cupertino-based rival. Samsung's premium Galaxy phones have placed it comfortably ahead of Apple in the region.

Samsung's overall smartphone shipments in the Middle East stood at 3.7 million units in Q1 2025, a market share of 32%, and an impressive 19% growth over the first quarter of last year.

Apple's a distant fourth on the list that Samsung rules, with total smartphone shipments in Q1 2025 coming in at 1.3 million units, with an 11% share of the market. Apple did see a 10% annual growth in its shipments, but it still shipped 2.5 million fewer units compared to Samsung.

Samsung's dominance is also aided by its strong offerings in the value segment of the market, where lineups like the 5G-enabled Galaxy A series give tough competition to Chinese rivals. The company's Galaxy S25 series has been a success in the region as well.

Samsung has also been expanding its strategic relationships in the region. An alliance with e& in the United Arab Emirates in particular has reinforced its dominant position in the premium smartphone segment.