Xiaomi, the leading Chinese mobile manufacturer became the no 1 smartphone brand occupying a market share of 25%, a touch more than the Samsung ( 23% ) market share. But the interesting point is the increase from 9% market share in Q4 2016 to 25% in 2017. All thanks to the Redmi 4 versions, Redmi Note 4 & Redmi 4 occupied the first & second post in top-selling smartphones in India. Coming to the annual basis, Samsung still holds the top position with 24% in 2017 but Xiaomi closing it with 19% & the other brands like Vivo ( 10% ), Oppo ( 8%), Lenovo ( 7%) are holding still.
India mobile shipment has crossed 300 million units for the first time, out of which 44% belongs to smartphones. All these details are from the research done by Counterpoint. The Q4 rise is driven by some strong promotion during Diwali & new product launch along with some exciting offers from the smartphones manufacturers.
Jio holds a strong position in feature phone segment, during Q4 2017 jio captured a 26% market share in feature phones which resulted in a decrease of Samsung feature phone market share from 25% to 15 & ITEL from 11% to 7% though Micromax holds its share. Though this boom is in Q4 of 2017 when it comes to the cumulative year market share it still behind Samsung. Samsung has a stronghold of 21% share in 2017 & Jio has 11% share, expect it to rise more in 2018.
Xiaomi was the fastest growing brand with a 259% rise when compared to 2016 & other brands like Huawei, Oppo & Vivo registered an increase of over 100%. Online sales & some strong promotions & offers during festivals helped in this.
The top 10 selling smartphones in 2017 have 3 Redmi 4 versions ( Redmi Note 4, Redmi 4 & Redmi 4A ) and Samsung Galaxy J series and Oppo & Vivo smartphones.
With the data rates reduced because of JIO plans, the smartphones usage has been increased thus increase in the market share for the same. 2018 might be a tricky year for this brands & will see which brand will sustain the competition & holds the market.
