India’s smartphone market declined by 16% in January-March: IDC

The smartphone market in India noticed a 16 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) decline, with 31 million smartphones being shipped to the area. This is the bottom first-quarter cargo in 4 years, in accordance with International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker preliminary knowledge.

Consumer demand remained sluggish amid unsure macroeconomic situations and stock ranges had been elevated due to excessive stocking in H2 2022, stated the report. The ASP (common promoting worth) reached an all-time excessive of $265 and the share of higher-priced smartphones (above $600) elevated to 11 per cent in comparison with 4 per cent a 12 months in the past. 5G smartphone share elevated to 45 per cent, up from 31 per cent in Q1 2022, led by Samsung which accounted for greater than 1 / 4 of the 5G smartphone shipments.

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“5G smartphones proceed to extend penetration in the low-end worth phase and we must always anticipate a robust 5G play in the $150-$300 phase in H2 2023 as high-end 4G fashions vacate the house,” stated Upasana Joshi, Research Manager, Client Devices, IDC India.

Shipments to on-line channels dropped considerably, as offline channels had been backed by new mannequin launches and engaging channel promotions in Q1 2023. After greater than 5 years, Samsung climbed to the highest slot, supported by the launch of inexpensive 5G smartphones and the Galaxy S23 collection, adopted by Vivo which continued to construct on its omnichannel portfolio and OPPO (together with OnePlus), whereas Xiaomi slipped to fourth slot in Q1 2023.

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India’s smartphone market is anticipated to see flat development in 2023.

“The second half of the 12 months can deliver some development if manufacturers deliver engaging festive choices throughout the channels to drive affordability. This will be facilitated by shopper optimism on the again of Cricket World Cup (hosted by India), a number of key State elections, adopted by elections in 2024,” stated Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President – Devices Research, IDC.