Xiaomi occupies second position in smartphone market in India

As per a research Counterpoint firm, it is ascertained that Smartphone shipments in India grew 15 per cent to 29 million units in March quarter compared to the year-ago period, with top five brands capturing almost 70 per cent of total segment.

India being one of the chief and amongst the fastest mounting smartphone markets, with sales slowdown in mature markets like the US and Europe, the handset makers are increasing their presence in the Indian market, bringing in the finest devices from their portfolio. During the said quarter, Samsung continued to lead the market with 26 per cent share, followed by Chinese players Xiaomi (13 per cent), Vivo (12 per cent), Oppo (10 per cent) and Lenovo (8 per cent).

In general, the overall mobile handset market grew by six per cent in the January-March 2017 quarter, with smartphones and feature phones contributing equal share. Samsung also led the tally with 26 per cent share, followed by itel (nine per cent), Micromax (eight per cent), Xiaomi (seven per cent) and Vivo (six per cent).

"India's smartphone market is witnessing a focus shift in distribution strategy by major brands. Offline brands like OPPO, vivo and Gionee have now started focusing on online channels as well to gain extra market share," Countrepoint Research Analyst Karn Chauhan said.

He also went on adding that online-only brands like Xiaomi and Motorola are touching quickly into offline markets to broaden their reach to the mass market, addressing the consumers in tier II and III cities.

While, the mid-end segment (Rs 15,000-20,000) observed the highest expansion of 158 per cent year-on-year during the said quarter. The majority of the expansion in the group was driven by Samsung, OPPO, vivo, Gionee, and Motorola.