Tablet shipments totaled 35.95 million in the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of 22.7% from the fourth quarter of 2020. This corresponds to an increase of 45.5% over the previous year, said a source, citing a report from the company. The actual quarterly results are in line with the forecast from Digitimes Research.
The chip shortage had only a minor impact on the tablet market, which remained seasonal, so Digitimes Research was able to forecast a steady decline for the current quarter. Compared to the first quarter, an increase in the supply of 6.6% is expected.
At the end of the first quarter, Apple, Samsung Electronics, Amazon and Lenovo were the four largest providers. Huawei, which was in fourth place in 2020, has not only given it up but will completely stop shipping tablets in the current quarter
At the same time, Honor, a spin-off from Huawei, is unlikely to hold a notable position as its brand is not associated with tablets. According to analysts, Lenovo will keep first place in the second quarter of 2021, Samsung will stay in second place, and Lenovo and Amazon will swap places.