Google breaks quarterly sales record following Pixel 9 launch

Google has hit a major milestone, potentially getting its highest-ever smartphone sales in Q3 2024, following the Pixel 9 series launch. According to data from Counterpoint Research, this marks a significant moment for Google in a market historically dominated by brands like Samsung and Apple.

The Pixel 9, which debuted in August 2024, was pivotal in driving this growth. It follows the earlier release of the Pixel 8a in May, keeping momentum strong through the summer and into Q3. While Google didn’t reveal exact shipment numbers, Counterpoint’s report confirms the company’s best-ever quarter for smartphone volumes.

Overall, the global smartphone market grew 2% year-over-year (YoY) in Q3 2024—the first time a Q3 has seen growth since 2018. The recovery was led by regions like Western Europe, Latin America, and Japan. However, industry giants Samsung and Apple saw little movement. Samsung’s market share slightly dropped to 19%, and Apple held steady at 16%.

Xiaomi, meanwhile, continued its upward trend, climbing to 14% market share, with Oppo and Vivo maintaining 9% each. Interestingly, Motorola and Huawei also recorded impressive gains, with roughly 30% YoY growth.

Google’s success reflects its growing presence beyond North America, with rising adoption in Japan and parts of Europe. Previously, the company shipped 10 million Pixel devices in 2023, a milestone that set the stage for even higher targets this year.

Despite being outside the top five OEMs globally, Google’s consistent push with hardware improvements and competitive pricing appears to be paying off.

With Q3 2024 now in the books, Google’s record-breaking sales offer promising signs for the Pixel brand’s future.