Smartphones

In the smartphone market, Apple maintained an overwhelming presence: the iPhone 17 series, which remains at the center of attention alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max, dominated the articles dated October 9. Trailing behind, Samsung drew significant interest in Japan-focused articles in early October, through reviews and discount information on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Google announced a price increase for the Pixel 10a along with new sales measures, which were widely reported on the 9th. Sony released the Xperia 10 VIII and succeeded in generating buzz on consecutive days from the 8th to the 9th. Sharp ran aggressive low-price promotions on the AQUOS wish6, which were included in a smartphone feature dated the 5th. The FCNT arrows series continued to be treated as a staple choice for the Japanese market, positioned as a rugged smartphone, while OPPO demonstrated its presence in the mid-price segment centered on the Find X9. Xiaomi was repeatedly named as a main option in recommendation articles, while Motorola and Nothing appeared in Android comparison articles as an affordable option and a distinctive brand, respectively.

Overall, the three-way structure of Apple, Samsung and Google is becoming clearer in the flagship race, while new models from domestic makers such as Sony and Sharp converged with offensives from Chinese players and distinctive brands in the mid-price range. As a result, it was a week of active movement across a broad price range.