Xiaomi Lost The Number 1 Spot In Indian Smartphone Market To Samsung

Xiaomi – the Chinese phone maker that has been leading the Indian phone market for three years, has just been dethroned by Samsung, as stated in a new report.

According to Counterpoint’s report, in the quarter ending September, Samsung holds 24% of India’s smartphone market, beating Xiaomi and its 23%.

This estimation claims the opposite of what Canalys – another research firm announced last week. As stated by the latter, Samsung occupies the second spot with 20.4% and Xiaomi is still the leader with 26.1%.

Both Canalys and Counterpoint agree that the Indian smartphone market has rebounded from the previous decline with the latter claiming 53 million units in Q3 this year while the former said the number is 50 million.

According to Counterpoint, Samsung’s shipment in Q3 is 32% year-over-year. The reason for this increase is the launch of several affordable handsets and a big push in online presence.

Ever since its entry in 2014, Xiaomi has been focusing on online platforms. So far, it’s still the top online smartphone brand in India. However, Xiaomi’s biggest market besides its home country China is proving to become harder to conquer because of the growing boycott China sentiment.

The bad blood between India and China may lead to some changes in the next few months.

Micromax, a local smartphone brand, teased the launch of a sub-brand called “In.” The company’s founder and CEO Rahul Sharma said for so long, Chinese phones had been suppressing local brands but now was the time to change the situation.

It’s worth noting that even before Chinese phone brands entering the Indian market, China’s phone makers have been closely engaging with the Indian market. They manufactured phones and sold them to Indian companies to distribute to Indian consumers. Eventually, Chinese companies skip the middlemen and sell directly to consumers at a better price.

India has recently announced the list of 16 phone and electronics companies approved for the $6.65 billion incentive program to boost local phone production.

Samsung, Lava, Micromax, and three of Apple’s partners are on the list. Well-known Chinese brands like Oppo, Realme, Vivio, and Xiaomi aren’t featured.

>>> Several Indian Retailers Have Stopped Stocking Chinese Smartphones As Customers Shun Anything From China