Smartphone shipments grew by only 4% in Q1 2020, Xiaomi leads the race as Realme sees massive growth

The industry saw a massive decline by 19% in March due to Covid-19 outbreak, limiting the overall quarter growth to 4%.

The industry saw a massive decline by 19% in March due to Covid-19 outbreak, limiting the overall quarter growth to 4%. (Bloomberg)

As per Counterpoint Research's latest report, the Indian smartphone market shipments, despite getting affected by Covid-19 lockdown, grew by 4% annually in Q1 2020 with 31 million-unit. January and February shipments reportedly grew due to new launches and aggressive promotions. However, the industry saw a massive decline by 19% in March due to Covid-19 outbreak, limiting the overall quarter growth to 4%.

The market share in Q1 2020 was dominated by Xiaomi with 30%, followed by Vivo, Samsung, Realme, Oppo and others at 17%, 16%, 14%, 12% and 11%. As per the report, Xiaomi saw 6% YoY growth in Q1 2020 to reach its highest ever market share since Q1 2018. Vivo grew by 40% YoY in Q1 2020 due to strong performance by its Y series smartphones. Samsung got a boost due to its upgraded A and M series that came across several price tags.

India smartphone market share in Q1 2020. (Counterpoint)

India smartphone market share in Q1 2020. (Counterpoint)

However, Realme saw the most growth by 119% YoY in Q1 2020, most of which were driven by 5i and C3. Realme's sister brand Oppo grew by 83% in the same quarter due to demand for its budget segment devices, A5 2020 and A5s.

Apple too witnessed a 78% YoY growth with iPhone 11 driving strong shipments. Different offers and discounts given by Flipkart and Amazon added to the sales. "In the ultra-premium segment (>INR 45000, around $600) it was the leading brand with a market share of 55%," adds the report.

Feature phone market share Q1 2020. (Counteropint)

Feature phone market share Q1 2020. (Counteropint)

As for feature phones, the market saw a decline of around 24% YoY in Q1 2020. Leading the list is Itel with 22% market share followed by Lava, Samsung, Nokia, Micromax and Others at 15%, 15%, 13%, 7% and 27%.