Q2 2017 sees LTE handsets crossing 150 million units in India

According to the latest research from Counterpoint’s Market Monitor service, LTE installed base of handsets has crossed 150 million units, only behind China and the USA now and is estimated to surpass the latter in the next one year.

In terms of performance during the quarter, smartphone shipments in India grew by modest 4 per cent YoY in Q2 2017. Like China, the top five brands contributed to almost 70 per cent of the total smartphone market. Although the local brands grew during the quarter but are still unable to find their place among the top five smartphone players in the third successive quarter.

Commenting on the findings, Karn Chauhan, Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, said, “Local brands did relatively well during the quarter after three quarters of lull but still have a significant task cut out to reclaim the market share back from rivals. Then again, Chinese players such as OPPO, Vivo and Gionee continued to outspend their rivals during the quarter, especially riding high on the IPL and Champions Trophy cricket tournaments. These brands also benefited from a refreshed portfolio in the important Rs.10K–Rs.20K segment.”

Research Analyst Shobhit Srivastava further added, “While GST remained the key talking points during the quarter as the growing domestic EMS (Electronics manufacturing services) players were also worried about the impact of GST on local manufacturing as all previous incentives were supposed to subside under the new regime. This was later addressed with the implementation of 10-per cent Basic Customs duty on imported mobile phones and certain components by the government.”

Shobit Srivastava further added, “Although shipments were impacted in anticipation of GST rollout especially in June, retailers were quite hesitant in adding new stock into the channels during the last month even though there was some assurance from the OEMs to support pre-GST channel inventory clearance. Going forward, we estimate the market to jump back to double- digit growth ahead of a festive season in 2H 2017.”