TCL has officially dethroned Samsung as the top global TV shipper for December 2025, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest data. This marks a major milestone for the Chinese electronics giant, whose shipments surged 10% year-over-year (YoY) last month, giving it a commanding 16% market share. Meanwhile, Samsung, the perennial leader, slipped to second place with a 13% share, despite an 8% YoY increase in shipments.
The performance of TCL was primarily driven by strong sales in Asia-Pacific, China, and the Middle East, which offset weaker demand in North America and Western Europe. The company achieved significant growth by focusing on mid-range and budget-friendly TVs, including the recently launched T7 series. TCL also boosted sales of its high-end QM8K and QM9K models through aggressive holiday pricing.
However, Samsung still holds the crown for Q4 2025 overall, shipping 2% more TVs than TCL during the period. While North and South America provided growth opportunities for Samsung, declines in Western Europe and the Middle East hurt its performance. On the flip side, Hisense, which took third place in December, saw its shipments plummet 23% YoY, highlighting significant struggles in China’s shrinking TV market.
Looking ahead, the ambitions of TCL could spell bigger trouble for Samsung. The company’s upcoming partnership with Sony’s Bravia brand, set to finalize in March 2026, positions TCL to make a serious play in the premium TV market, a territory that Samsung has historically dominated with its high-end OLED and 8K offerings. If TCL can successfully leverage Sony’s reputation in this space, the dynamic of the global TV market could shift dramatically.
For now, TCL’s December triumph might be temporary, but its growth trajectory is impossible to ignore. With a mix of strategic pricing, regional demand timing, and potential premium market expansion, Samsung’s top spot may no longer be as secure as it once was.
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