LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has surpassed Apple to become the world's second-largest smartphone seller, a market research firm said.

Huawei shipped around 54.2 million handsets for the second quarter this year, showcasing a 40.9 percent year-on-year growth and a 15 percent global market share, while Apple shipped about 41.3 million units, according to data from the U.S.-based International Data Corporation (IDC).

Huawei's rise is deemed significant as it is the first time since 2010 that the global top two smartphone vendors have not been Samsung and Apple. Currently, Samsung still remains the leader with a 20 percent market share for the June quarter.

Analysts said Huawei is gaining more brand recognition in Europe and Asia as it has been adding top-end features into its flagship smartphones. For instance, the company's P20 Pro device boasts three rear-facing cameras, including one at 40 million pixel.

Singapore-based research firm Canalys attributed Huawei's strong results overseas over the quarter to the success of its P20 as well as Honor brands. It said Huawei shipped nearly 4 million Honor-branded smartphones outside of China for the quarter, registering a 150 percent year-on-year increase.

Huawei's domestic market share also registered a significant increase in the quarter, up from 6 percent to a record 27 percent, according to Canalys.

Huawei's prominence comes amid a global decline of smartphone demands. IDC figures said that there was a 1.8 percent annual decline of the smartphone market for the June quarter.

Data from several other research firms including Counterpoint Research and IHS Markit also confirmed Huawei's global number-two position for the quarter.