Smartphone sales in the country during the July-September quarter (Q3) grew 5% on-year and 24% sequentially, driven by strong shipments ahead of the festive season according to Counterpoint Research. For the second time, India’s shipments surpassed those of the US during the third quarter. Four of the top five brands recorded their highest ever shipments in a single quarter.
Xiaomi, which was the top seller, saw strong sales on the back of the new Redmi 6 series and expansion in offline channels. J series drove the shipments for Samsung, which ranked second.
Interestingly, homegrown player Micromax re-entered the top-five club for the first time in two years. Micromax, along with Reliance Jio, had won an order from the Chhattisgarh government under which it will be the sole supplier of five million smartphones.
So Micromax’s shipments are likely to decline following completion of the order. But fall in rupee is impacting supply chains and product planning for the brands.
50% – Share of smartphones in total handset market (88 million)
77% – Share of top-five brands in smartphones
1/3rd – Of the volume was seen in mid-tier ($150-250) segment as consumers migrate toward higher price points