Supply chain issues of the chipsets have been a major issue for smartphone manufacturers all around the world. But despite these issues, smartphone shipments grew 11% year-on-year to reach 169 million units in 2021, though the 4th quarter marked a decline of 8%.
Interestingly, the Indian smartphone market revenue crossed $38 billion in 2021, which is a growth of about 27% YoY, Counterpoint claimed in its report.
The report highlights that Chinese brand, Xiaomi has maintained its first position in the Indian smartphone market in 2021, although its growth was just 2% YoY. The brand reached its highest ever share in premium segment phones (more than 30,000) and saw triple-digit growth of 258% in this segment. “Going forward, it will keep focusing on the premium segment offline expansion,” Counterpoint noted.
Samsung comes at number 2 overall in 2021 seeing an 8% YoY decline in shipments. “Supply chain disruptions, absence of new Note Series, reduced focus on the entry-level segment and fewer launches in the mid-segment” are considered to be major causes of this overall decline. On the other hand, it was the top brand in 5G shipments in the 4th quarter of 2021. It led the mid-range segment with a whopping 28% share. Samsung’s foldable devices were much appreciated and their shipments grew by triple digits in 2021.
Vivo came at number 3 in the overall list and emerged as the top 5G smartphone brand with a 19% share. It slipped to number 4 in Q4 of 2021.
Realme is on number 4 overall for 2021 witnessing a 20% YoY growth. Realme has managed to grab the 2nd spot for the first time in the Indian smartphone market in Q4 in 2021. Realme managed its component shortages by switching to Unisoc and partnerships with EMS. The focus of the brand on the premium segment with GT Series and high demand for the C series and Narzo series were other things that worked in its favor.
Oppo came on 5th position in 2021 with 6% YoY growth.
Apple was one of the fastest-growing brands in 2021 with 108% YoY growth in shipments. “Apple maintained its lead in the premium segment with a 44% market share. Good offers during the festive season, strong demand for iPhones 12 and 13 and increased Make in India capabilities led to this growth.
OnePlus has reached its highest shipments ever crossing the 5 million mark with 59% YoY growth due to OnePlus Nord Series. It has captured 2nd place in the premium segment with a 19% share (Rs. 30,000 to 45,000).
Brands like Itel, Infinix, Techno logged 55% YoY growth in the affordable segment. They crossed 10 million shipments for the first time in a single year.
