Samsung beats Apple to reclaim the lead in the premium phone market

Samsung commanded a 20% market share of the whole Indian market during the first quarter of 2023, according to reports from Counterpoint Research. Samsung had a stunning year-over-year rise in the ultra-premium category, which includes products priced above $45,000 each. The findings state that smartphone shipments to India fell 3% YoY in the period of April to June Q2 2023. The premium smartphone market, which grew 112 percent YoY in Q2, contributed a record 17% to global shipments.

In the third consecutive quarter, Samsung maintained its market share dominance in the Indian smartphone market at 18%. With a market share of 34%, Samsung also took the top spot in the premium category, which comprises gadgets costing more than 30,000. There is an increased demand for the newest premium A-series and F-series smartphones, as well as promotions on the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy S21 FE, and Samsung Finance+, which contributed to this surge.

With a commanding market share of 59%, Apple nonetheless maintained its leadership position in the ultra-premium category. Apple offers iPhones like the iPhone SE 2022 and iPhone 11 for less than Rs 45,000. Shipments and market share for Samsung increased during the quarter as a result of the Galaxy S23 smartphone series and the firm’s strategy.

Other brands, like Vivo, held on to second place, being the only top-five brand to enjoy YoY growth. With 68% YoY growth, OnePlus had the fastest rate of growth in the second quarter of the Indian smartphone market. The shipping volume has decreased for Xiaomi, which has grabbed the third-place position with a market share of 15%. Realme maintained its fourth-place ranking with a 12% market share.

The cumulative number of 5G smartphone shipments in India surpassed 100 million in Q2 2023 as the use of 5G networks expanded, and shipments of 5G smartphones increased 59% YoY in the quarter. 10% rise in the percentage of 4G feature phones in feature phone shipments overall in Q2 2023. By the end of 2023, it is predicted to reach around 18%.

Thanks to “TOI“