Smartphone sales to hit record high in Q1’21

According to market research companies, smartphone sales in India are expected to touch a record in the traditionally lean January-March period, considered the leanest period in terms of sales, crossing levels previously scaled in the opening quarter of past years. Market data suggest that sales of smartphones crossed 12 million last month, making it the best January in five years. Total smartphone shipments for the first quarter are expected to be 33-36 million.

“The growth momentum in January was driven by new and exciting 5G launches along with attractive discounts and offers on Republic Day sales,” explained Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Technology Market Research. Xiaomi, Samsung, Oppo, Realme and Lava were some of the brands that had exciting product launches in January. “Since the start of Covid-19, brands have been struggling to overcome challenges but in the face of rising fuel costs and component prices, they may be forced to delay launches, especially in the budget segment,” said another analyst.