According to IDC research, 31 million smartphones were shipped in India in 1Q23 (Jan-Mar), a 16% YoY (year-over-year) decline and the lowest first-quarter shipments in four years. The biggest highlight of Q1 2023 is Samsung’s return to the top spot after more than five years.
According to reports, consumer demand remained slow, and shipments to online channels fell dramatically. It is also noted in the research that the ASP (average selling price) hit a record high of $265 (Rs. 20,925 approx.), and the percentage of smartphones costing $600 (Rs. 49,044 approx.) or more rose to 11% from 4% a year ago.
The 5G smartphone market share climbed to 45% in 1Q22, up from 31% in 1Q22, driven by Samsung, which accounted for more than a quarter of all 5G smartphone sales.
Samsung led the market with a 20.1% market share, owing to the introduction of low-cost 5G smartphones and the Galaxy S23 series. With 5.4 million shipments each, vivo and OPPO (including OnePlus) came in second and third. In the first quarter of 2023, Xiaomi fell to fourth place with a 16.4% market share.
In 2023, it is anticipated that the market for smartphones in India will show no increase at all.
Regarding the rise of 5G smartphones, Upasana Joshi, Research Manager, Client Devices, IDC India said,
5G smartphones continue to increase penetration in the low-end price segment and we should expect a strong 5G play in the US$150<US$300 segment in 2H23 as high-end 4G models vacate the space.
On 2023 market prediction, Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President – Devices Research, IDC said,
The second half of the year can bring some growth if brands bring attractive festive offerings across the channels to drive affordability. This can be facilitated by consumer optimism on the back of Cricket World Cup (hosted by India), a few key state elections, followed by Union elections in 2024.