Google's phone market share increased 380% in North America, which is bonkers

The latest smartphone numbers are in for Q1 2022, and it’s good news for Google as the company looks to reinvigorate its smartphone business.

Canalys has released its report on North American smartphone shipments for Q1 2022, with some 39 million units shipped, representing a 3.7% increase year-over-year. While a couple of companies saw significant growth, Google was the major winner, with 380% growth over Q1 2021.

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According to the report, Google shipped 1.2 million units in Q1 2022, up from 0.2 million units in the year-ago quarter. The company’s 380% market share growth dwarfed second-place Lenovo, which came in with 56% growth. Even Apple, the overall leader in market share and shipments, only saw its share grow by a modest 19%.

“Google is on the offensive to take market share, building on its wide carrier presence and unprecedented investment in the Pixel brand, both on traditional advertising campaigns and a new NBA partnership,” said Canalys Research Analyst Runar Bjørhovde. “It focused on the Pixel 6 in Q1 but will look to expand further in the rest of the year, with a recently launched portfolio including the upcoming Pixel 7 flagship, affordable Pixel 6a, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds.”

Read more: Should I buy the Google Pixel 6 or wait for the Pixel 7?

More than anything, the number show that Google is on the right track with its smartphone business, thanks largely to the Pixel 6. Despite producing solid phones for years, the company has historically struggled to make any significant headway in the market against Apple, Samsung, and other rivals. The Pixel 6 was widely lauded as its best offering yet, and it appears its efforts are finally paying off.

With the newly announced Pixel 6a, as well as the upcoming Pixel 7, it’s a safe bet that Google will be able to continue growing its market share for the foreseeable future.