(Yicai Global) Nov. 25 -- Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi increased its mobile phone shipments in Europe by 73 percent annually in the third quarter of this year, holding onto fourth place in terms of regional market share.

The Beijing-based firm shipped 5.5 million units during the period, according to data that market researcher Canalys published on Nov. 22. That gave it a 10.5 percent share of the European market, ranking it behind Samsung's 35.7 percent, compatriot rival Huawei's 22.2 percent and Apple's 18.6 percent.

Vice President Lu Weibing shared the research report on his Weibo account on Nov. 23, saying Xiaomi's goal for next year is to tap the high-end market in Europe and directly compete against Apple and Samsung.

Total shipments were up 8 percent on the year at 52.5 million, with Xiaomi and Samsung the only manufacturers making major contributions to the rise. Samsung shipments were up 26 percent at 18.7 million, while Huawei's were almost unchanged at 11.7 million and Apple's declined by 4 percent.

Fifth place HMD Global saw shipments dive 21 percent and all other brands lost a combined 24 percent.

Editor: James Boynton