Chinese smartphone maker Huawei outsold Apple in the second quarter of 2018, according to a report by a United States-based research and advisory company.

In its report, Gartner said Huawei sold 49.8 million devices in the second quarter to clinch around 13.3 percent market share. The number of units sold by Huawei was higher compared to the 9.8 percent or around 36 million units sold in the second quarter of 2017.

Huawei edged Apple, which sold around 44.7 million phones, or equivalent to 11.9 percent market share. The number was slightly lower compared to the 12.1 percent market share that Apple got in the second quarter of 2017, where the iPhone manufacturer placed second.

According to research director Anshul Gupta, Huawei's key in overtaking Apple for second place is the Chinese company's ability to introduce new and interesting features to its smartphone line. Gupta also said that Huawei has successfully expanded its smartphone line to cover large consumer segments.

One of Huawei's key products — the mid-range Honor smartphones — is being sold to 70 markets worldwide, boosting the company's sales by targeting another important segment of smartphone users. Gupta added that Huawei is also performing well when it comes to high-end smartphones with its P20 model that directly competes with Apple's iPhone.

Samsung Still Ahead Of The Pack

Samsung remained the leader when it comes to smartphone sales, selling 72.3 million units in the second quarter for a market share of 19.3 percent. However, Samsung's number in the second quarter of 2018 was lower than the 22.6 percent market share, or around 82.8 million units sold in the second quarter of 2017.

Also, Gartner said Samsung's dominance is being threatened by the growing competition from Chinese smartphone manufacturers. In addition, Samsung's slowing demand for its flagship is affecting the company's profits.

Overall, Gartner said smartphones sales worldwide grew 2 percent in the second quarter of 2018, reaching 374 million units sold compared to 366 million in the second quarter of 2017.

Recently, multiple research outlets reported that Huawei grabbed second place in terms of the number of units shipped in the second quarter of 2018. During that time, Huawei shipped around 54.2 million smartphones, while Apple managed only 41.3 million, good for third. Samsung, for its part, is way ahead with 71.5 million devices shipped.

Xiaomi Putting Pressure On Other Smartphone Players

Gartner said Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is slowly emerging as a threat to other smartphone companies. In the second quarter, Xiaomi sold around 32.8 million devices for a market share of 8.8 percent. The number was up from 5.8 percent from the same period last year.