According to the latest research from Counterpoint’s Market Monitor service, the smartphone shipments in India grew 18% annually in 2016 compared to the global smartphone market which grew 3%. Apple achieved a landmark with the iPhone, crossing 2.5 million units in a calendar year, with one-third of its total shipment coming alone from the record fourth quarter driven by seasonality and the launch of iPhone 7.
Apple captured 10th position in the smartphone rankings during the fourth quarter of 2016, according to Counterpoint. However, it led the premium segment (above US$450) with 62% market share.
Chinese brands OPPO, vivo, Lenovo and Xiaomi continued to grow at the expense of Samsung and Indian brands. Their success was attributable to a variety of factors including strong marketing and channel push, as well as better access to components that were in limited supply. As a result Chinese brands captured close to 50% market share.
