Realme, Vivo, and the Indian Smartphone Market: Insights Into 2023 Trends
Vivo Claims Leadership in the Indian Smartphone Market
In a remarkable turn of events, Vivo has surged to become India’s No. 1 smartphone brand, surpassing long-time leaders Xiaomi and Samsung. According to a report by Canalys, Vivo shipped 9.1 million units in the third quarter of 2023, marking a 26% growth year-on-year and seizing a 19% market share.
Key Drivers Behind Vivo's Growth
The brand's achievement is attributed to a strategic focus on high price segment launches and maintaining competitive margins across sales channels. Analyst Sanyam Chaurasia emphasized that “Vivo secured pole position owing to new launches in higher price bands coupled with aggressive channel margins.”
The Competitive Landscape
- Xiaomi, currently in second place, shipped 7.8 million units, holding 17% market share.
- Samsung followed closely with 7.5 million units and a 16% share.
- Oppo, showing rapid growth, captured 13% with 6.3 million units, thanks to its expanded online strategies.
- Realme, a spinoff from Oppo, occupied fifth place with 5.3 million units, contributing 11%.
Market Trends and Buyer Preferences
As the Indian smartphone market overall grew by 9% in this quarter, key trends indicate that Indian buyers are increasingly favoring higher-end devices, responding to the rise in mid-tier and premium offerings.
Geopolitical Tensions Affecting Market Dynamics
The growing influence of Chinese brands in India comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially after a deadly border clash in 2020. This evolving scenario also presents challenges with regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding tax evasion allegations faced by several Chinese companies.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.