Smartphone Market

India's exports of both goods and services have been exceptionally strong so far in 2021-22. Merchandise exports have been above $30 billion for eight consecutive months in FY22, despite a rise in trade costs arising from global supply constraints such as fewer operational shipping vessels, exogenous events such as blockage of Suez Canal and Covid-19 outbreak.

The Survey was first published in 1950-51 and was initially part of the Budget documents. It was less than 50 pages in the 1950s and contained a brief outline of economic developments of the previous year. The Survey of 1957-58 had just 38 pages. It was primarily descriptive and contained little in the way of analysis and policy prescriptions.

According to the Economic Survey, the number of new startups in the space sector registered in 2021 was 47 up from 21 in 2020 and 11 in 2019. With recent policy initiatives and private sector participation, the Indian space sector is expected to capture a larger share of the global space economy, which was close to US$ 447 billion in 2020. At present, India accounts for only about two per cent of the space economy, much behind the major players - USA and China, the Survey said.

India's smartphone market retail ASP (average selling price) grew 14 per cent (on-year) to reach its highest ever at $227 (nearly Rs 17,000), according to Counterpoint Research. "The price hikes in the budget segment due to component price rise, increasing focus of OEMs on the premium segment and increased demand for mid-range and premium smartphones due to increasing uses and availability of financing options contributed to the increasing ASP," said research analyst Shilpi Jain.

After a tough start to the year, due to the second wave of Covid-19, India recovered strongly in the second half, reports market research firm Canalys. Following a strong comeback in Q3, smartphone vendors shipped 44.5 million devices in Q4 for 2 per cent growth, despite a challenging supply chain.

In the tweet, realme revealed Counterpoint Research's monthly mobile tracker data that showed Xiaomi at the top slot with 20 per cent market share in October (with its independent brand Poco's share included) while showing realme at the second spot with 18 per cent share. "We are not India's No.1 First Smartphone Brand yet. According to Counterpoint, #realme has took the 2nd position in October'21.

Xiaomi continued to lead but shipments declined by 17 per cent YoY. Samsung, at the second slot, registered the highest YoY decline amongst the top 5 vendors at -33 per cent in 3Q21. vivo was at the third position, with a shipment decline of 13 per cent YoY.

Worldwide shipments declined 6.7 per cent (year-over-year) in the third quarter (Q3) this year and smartphone vendors shipped a total of 331.2 million units during the quarter. The supply chain issues have now compounded, and shortages are affecting all vendors alike.

However, Samsung retained the number one spot in the third quarter with smartphone shipments of 69 million units. According to market research firm Counterpoint, the market declined due to the ongoing global component shortages and the slow recovery of key markets such as China and parts of Europe.

Xiaomi led the market with a 22 per cent shipment share while Samsung captured the second spot with a 19 per cent share. Samsung led the mid-to upper-tier price segment (Rs 10,000-Rs 30,000) with a 25 per cent market share while OnePlus registered its highest ever shipments in India (Its Nord series cumulative shipments crossed 3 million units), according to the report from Counterpoint Research.