Beancounters at Strategy Analytics say these results give the outfit a six percent  global share. Global shipments gained six percent on year to 360 million units.

Xiaomi also recaptured fifth place in the global smartphone vendors ranking for the first time in a year, said the market research firm.

Samsung remained the top vendor in the second quarter, with shipments growing two percent on year to 79.5 million units for a 22 percent share in the second quarter.

Apple's shipments grew just one percent to 41 million units for an 11.4 percent share worldwide in the quarter. Apple's iPhone is out of fashion in China and this is placing a cap on its worldwide performance, Strategy Analytics said.

Huawei shipped 38.4 million units and maintained third position with a record 10.7 percent share in the quarter. Huawei is outperforming across Asia, Europe and Africa with popular Android models such as the P10 and Mate 9.

Oppo recorded a 64 percent on year shipment growth to 29.5 million units and maintained fourth position with a record eight percent share.