India has the second-largest smartphone market in the world. In quarter 1 of 2021, Indian users set a new record in buying smartphones. As per research conducted by Counterpoint, mobile shipments saw a surge of 23% to 38 million units based on Year-on-Year(YoY) data. The current quarter has broken all old records of the Q1 sale.
Smartphone Sale Surge in India
January to March quarter of 2021 brought a big relief to Indians when Corona cases reduced. People came out of their homes to enjoy the much-needed freedom. The same quarter helped smartphones company to get better revenue due to the surge in smartphone demand.
Counterpoint research reported on Monday that Q1 of 2021 recorded the best smartphone sales compared to the first quarter of earlier years. Q1 saw a year on year surge of 23%. Overall, 38+ million units shipment took place in January to March months.
There was a spike in smartphones demand in the first quarter due to the ease in covid restrictions. The online market and the showrooms both were closed in 2020. So, people showed more interest in buying smartphones in Q1 of 2021.
Talking about the future of smartphone sales, Counterpoint analyst Prachir Singh said:
“These numbers should be taken with caution… consumer demand will take a hit due to the ongoing COVID-19 wave and subsequent lockdowns.”
Which Smartphone Firm had the Maximum Share in Q1 Sale?
Xiaomi, known as the Apple of China, ruled the chart in terms of maximum share in the January-March quarter. The company was the number one choice for Indian smartphone lovers. As per the research, it captured the 26% share of the first quarter sale. Samsung was the second most preferred smartphone brand of Q1 of 2021. Xiaomi also announced its entry into the EV business recently.
Overall, Chinese smartphone firms grabbed 75% smartphone market in the first quarter of the new year.
Apple, the most valuable brand in the world, saw a sale of 1 million iPhones in the Jan-March quarter. Compare to the last year, Apple saw a 300% increment in its sale.
The US firm mainly benefitted due to the strong popularity of the iPhone 11 and a hefty discount on the iPhone SE. This is the first time that Apple sold more than 1 million units in two consecutive quarters in India.
In India, the recent spike in Covid has brought everything to halt. You can’t predict the quarter 2 sale based on these numbers. People are fighting for survival. Hope things will be on track very soon.
