According to a report released by professional market research firm Canalys on Monday (January 24), in 2021, the Indian smartphone market achieved a strong recovery, with annual shipments reaching a record 162 million units, an increase of 12% year-on-year.
The Indian smartphone market experienced a tough start last year due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, but began a rapid recovery in the second half of the year, the report said. Following a strong recovery in the third quarter, Indian smartphone suppliers saw shipments grow 2% to 44.5 million units in the fourth quarter, despite supply chain challenges.
Specifically, Xiaomi's shipments were 40.5 million units, ranking first with a market share of 25%. Samsung followed with 30.1 million units shipped and a market share of 19%. Vivo ranked third with 25.7 million units shipped, with a market share of 16%. Realme shipments surged 25% year-over-year to 24.2 million units, ranking fourth with a market share of 15%. OPPO ranked fifth with shipments of 20.1 million units and a market share of 12%.
Sanyam Chaurasia, an analyst at Canalys, said: "The Indian smartphone market is changing every quarter of 2021. Covid-19, volatile consumer demand and supply chain disruptions plague the market, but suppliers adapt to changing circumstances by focusing on omnichannel, diversifying supply chains and expanding their product portfolios. ”
Chaurasia said: "At the same time, due to the promotion of vaccination, the reopening of the market and the pent-up demand, the annual shipment of smartphones in India has reached a record high. Driven by the demand for replacements and the migration of new customers to smartphones, growth is expected to continue in 2022. ”
Chaurasia commented that while Xiaomi and Samsung still have the top market share in 2021, Shenzhen-based Realme achieved the biggest full-year and quarterly growth. Realme will enter the high-end smartphone market, with full-year shipments up 25 percent to 24.2 million units.
Canalys said that as low-end mobile phone manufacturers gradually strengthened in the fourth quarter of last year, new manufacturers may drive market share competition.
Chaurasia said, "The JioPhone made a good start with millions of units sold by upgrading its feature phones. And on Amazon and Flipkart, Infinix and Tecno effectively utilize branded promotions. At the same time, they have increased brand awareness on social media platforms. Among them, Infinix promotes esports among young people in India to highlight its main features, while Tecno influences consumers through social media. ”
The research firm also expects India to undergo a huge digital transformation this year. Chaurasia added that in 2022, India will bring new 5G spectrum auctions, which in turn will lead to the expansion of 5G coverage and the reduction of the cost of use. In the fierce competition from suppliers, the price of 5G-enabled smartphones will fall further. But until chip shortages ease, shipments in the first half of 2022 will be subdued. ”