Global smartphone shipments grew 15% on year to reach 339.5 million units in the second quarter of 2015, which was the industry's slowest growth for six years, according to Strategy Analytics.

Samsung Electronics shipped 71.9 million smartphones worldwide for a 21% share in the second quarter of 2015, down from 25% of a year earlier. Apple shipped 47.5 million units in the quarter for a 14% share, compared to 12% a year ago.

Huawei moved up to third position with a record 9% share in the second quarter. Huawei is expanding rapidly across Asia, Europe and North America, putting competitive pressure on key rivals such as Samsung, Xiaomi Technology, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Sony Mobile Communication and Alcatel (TCL), said the market research firm.

Xiaomi recaptured fourth position with 6%, nudging ahead of Lenovo-Motorola in fifth place with 5%.