‘Rise in cases to hit mobile shipments’

Smartphone shipments in India grew 23% year-on-year in the January-March quarter to over 38 million, the highest ever first-quarter shipments. However, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country

Smartphone shipments in India grew 23% year-on-year in the January-March quarter to over 38 million, the highest ever first-quarter shipments. However, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country is likely to impact recovery of the smartphone market that has seen three successive quarters of record-breaking shipments, as per Counterpoint Research. The growth in the first quarter of the year was driven by new product launches, promotions and financial schemes, as well as pent-up demand coming from 2020. As per the data shared by Counterpoint, China’s Xiaomi retained the top position during the Q1 with a 26% shipment share, followed by Samsung (20%), vivo (16%), realme (11%) and OPPO (11%). “Continuing with its stellar run, India’s smartphone market registered a third consecutive quarter of record shipments in Q1 2021. But these numbers should be taken with caution as a second and more virulent wave of COVID-19 is currently on in the country and is likely to impact the coming quarters. The consumer demand will take a hit due to the ongoing COVID-19 wave and subsequent lockdowns,” said senior research analyst Prachir Singh.