India shipped a total of 56.6 million handsets during the April-June, 2015 quarter, out of which 43% were smartphones. The smartphone market grew 24.8% during the same period.
These smartphones were made locally compared with 19.9 per cent in preceding quarter. Smartphone shipments in the country grew 24.8 per cent to 24.41 million units in the June quarter, with Korean handset maker Samsung continuing to hold the number one position in the Indian market. The report said that Government’s Make in India initiative has had a positive impact on mobile handsets manufacturing in the country.
“The online sales route is an essential component of any vendors’ strategy, but, it should not be at the cost of expanding offline reach. Players like Intex have believed in reaching out to first time Smartphone users, and this strategy has paid off very well for them, giving them entry into the “Top 3’s list.”
said Karn Chauhan, Analyst, CMR’s India Telecoms Practice.
Giving further insights, the report revealed that contribution of Chinese brands grew 97% year-on-year (YoY) during 2Q CY 2015 as against 48% for Indian brands within the smartphones segment. Such influence and acceptance of Chinese brands poses a challenge to emerging as well as incumbent Indian brands of smartphones.