Despite the market hit by COVID-19 in Q1, Apple's iPhones were still able to win the premium smartphone title in 6 out of 7 global markets with 4 out of the top 5 models.

A new analytical report by Counterpoint we learn that the premium smartphone segment, considered to be wholesale price >US$ 400 sell-through declined 13% YoY globally during the first quarter of 2020. The contraction was part of the general smartphone market slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the overall contribution of the premium segment within the global smartphone market remained resilient at 22%, similar to the previous year.

The segment remains key as while it accounts for 22% of total smartphone sell-through, it contributed close to 57% of total global smartphone revenue during the quarter.

Apple led the premium segment with a 57% market share, followed by Samsung and Huawei.

Within regions, Apple was the leader in all the regions except for China where they were second to Huawei.

Within Models, iPhone 11 was the highest-selling model in the premium segment for 2020 Q1. Top four out of five highest selling models in the premium segment were from Apple, with the iPhone 11 taking the top 3 positions while their XR model took fourth spot . Huawei took the bottom spot and was the the first 5G smartphone registered in the top five models.