Indian smartphone market grows 5% in Q2

GURUGRAM: Six out of every seven smartphones sold in India belonged to top five smartphone brands - Xiaomi, Samsung, Vivo, Realme, and OPPO - as the smartphone market grew five per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2019, a new report by Cybermedia Research (CMR) said on Monday.

“As the smartphone market consolidates further amongst the top five brands, the potential market play for others has significantly decreased. To succeed in the Indian smartphone market, an India-centric approach, and strong thrust on technological innovation and value proposition remains key,” Prabhu Ram, Head-industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CMR, said in a statement.

During the quarter, Samsung closed the gap with the smartphone market leader Xiaomi on the back of its India-first strategy and a strong portfolio refresh, with Galaxy A and M series.

“The India smartphone market is increasingly driven by affordable smartphones (Rs7,000-rs 25,000). Smartphone brands are focused on driving consumer upgrades from entry-level buyers to affordable and premium segment (INR 25,000) with interesting new propositions,” added Ram.

China-based BBK group, the parent company of OPPO, Vivo, Realme, and Oneplus, also pulled alongside Xiaomi capturing a combined 30 per cent share.

“Realme, the youngest brand in the Indian smartphone market, with its focus on technological innovations, and market leading specs, as well as aggressive market pricing, was the fastest to secure 8 per cent market share,” said Anand Priya Singh, Analyst-iig, CMR.