5G smartphone shipments soar in India in Q1 22, report

Smartphone shipments in India in the March quarter grew by just 1.6% year-on-year (YoY), however, shipments of 5G smartphones grew by 300%, shows CyberMedia Research’s (CMR) latest quarterly report. Though Xiaomi led the overall smartphone market, Samsung dominated the 5G smartphone segment with a 23% share. Xiaomi’s market share in the 5G segment was 18%, the report said. 

According to CMR, Samsung launched multiple 5G devices in the Galaxy F and A series, which helped it become the number one brand in the 5G value for money price segment (₹7,000-25,000). 

India’s smartphone market is undergoing a slowdown after a record shipment of 169 million smartphones in CY 2021, as per Counterpoint Research. Mint and TechCircle had earlier reported that users were holding on to their smartphones for a longer period resulting in a temporary slowdown. 5G has been the only bright spot and the reason for many users to upgrade to new smartphones. It is expected to drive further growth in the smartphone market, especially after the rollout of 5G services in India, as per industry analysts. 

Also read: 5G smartphones surpass 4G sales globally for the first time

According to Counterpoint Research, 5G smartphones accounted for 16% of the total smartphone sales in 2021 as compared to 3% in 2020. Counterpoint predicted that in CY 2022, the 5G penetration will reach 40%. 

India’s Department of Telecommunication (DoT) is planning to hold auctions for the 5G spectrum sometime this year. Leading telcos including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have conducted 5G trials in different regions. 

Despite the ongoing slowdown in the smartphone industry, CMR estimates the overall smartphone shipments in India to cross the 170 million mark in CY 2022. 

Menka Kumari, Analyst-Industry Intelligence Group, CMR points out, “Going forward in Q2 2022, CMR estimates point to a potential 5-8% YoY growth in smartphone shipments. We anticipate H2 2022 to potentially see some easing of supply-side constraints." 

Kumari believes demand in the premium segment will continue to grow, while demand for affordable smartphones will remain muted.