Indian smartphone market recovers strongly in 2021, shipments reach a record 162 million units

India's smartphone market recovered strongly in 2021, with shipments reaching a record 162 million units, up 12% from a year earlier, according to a report released Monday by professional market research firm Canalys.

India's smartphone market got off to a difficult start last year due to the novel coronavirus epidemic, but began to recover rapidly in the second half of the year, the report said. Shipments by Indian smartphone suppliers rose 2 per cent to 44.5 million units in the fourth quarter, despite challenges in the supply chain following a strong recovery in the third quarter.

According to the specific figures, Xiaomi shipped 40.5 million units, ranking first with a 25 per cent market share. Samsung followed closely with shipments of 30.1 million units, with a market share of 19%. Vivo ranked third with 25.7 million shipments, with a market share of 16%. Realme's shipments surged 25 per cent year-on-year to 24.2 million, ranking fourth with a market share of 15 per cent. OPPO ranked fifth with 20.1 million shipments and a market share of 12%.

"the Indian smartphone market is changing every quarter of 2021," said Sanyam Chaurasia, an analyst at Canalys. The novel coronavirus epidemic, unstable consumer demand and supply chain disruptions haunt the market, but suppliers adapt to the changing environment by focusing on omni-channel, diversified supply chains and expanding product portfolios. "

"at the same time, full-year smartphone shipments in India reached an all-time high due to the promotion of vaccination, the reopening of the market and pent-up demand," Chaurasia said. Driven by the demand for replacement and the migration of new customers to smartphones, it is expected to continue to grow in 2022. "

Chaurasia commented that while Xiaomi and Samsung remained at the forefront of market share in 2021, Shenzhen-based Realme achieved the biggest full-year and quarterly growth. Realme will enter the high-end smartphone market, with full-year shipments rising 25% to 24.2 million units.

Canalys said that as low-end handset makers gained momentum in the fourth quarter of last year, the new manufacturers are likely to drive competition for market share.

"JioPhone is off to a good start with millions of units sold by upgrading feature phones," Chaurasia said. On Amazon and Flipkart, Infinix and Tecno take advantage of brand promotions effectively. At the same time, they have also increased brand awareness on social media platforms. Among them, Infinix promotes e-sports among young people in India to highlight its main features, while Tecno affects consumers through social media. "

The research company also expects India to undergo a huge digital transformation this year. Chaurasia added that in 2022, India will bring new 5G spectrum auctions, which in turn will lead to the expansion of 5G coverage and lower use costs. In the fierce competition among suppliers, the price of smartphones that support 5G will fall further. But shipments in the first half of 2022 will be curbed until the chip shortage alleviates. "