10 million LTE smartphones were shipped during Q3 2015, and one in three smartphones sold in the country were LTE capable smartphones, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. The report also said that shipments of LTE smartphones in india grew at a rate of 2400 per cent in Q3 2015, as compared to last year. It was also stated in the report that one in four mobile phones sold during the quarter was “Made in India”. Counterpoint’s report also stated that Xiaomi went through its “first sequential decline in India since its debut”. Xiaomi shipments declined by almost 46 per cent due to fierce competition from other companies like Lenovo and Micromax’s Yu.
Samsung continued to lead the overall mobile phone market during the quarter, with market share of 19 per cent. The company has a 23.2 per cent market share in the smartphone segment. However, Samsung lost share in the sub $100 smartphone segment, which is dominated by Indian and Chinese brands. Micromax maintained the second position in the overall mobile phone and smartphone markets. The company's share during the quarter from online channels increased, but is facing pressure from other companies like Intex, Lava and more. The report also noted that Yu, Micromax's sub-brand, was selling more smartphones than Xiaomi, online.
Intex is placed at number three in the Indian market. The company’s market share jumped to double digits for the first time, capturing almost 12 per cent for the smartphone market during the quarter. According to Counterpoint’s research, the demand for Intex products in the sub-$100 segment remains strong, but it needs to improve its position in the affordable premium segment. The report also noted that Lava (excluding Xolo) surpassed Microsoft for the first time, to capture fourth position in the overall handset market.
The research also revealed that the Lenovo K3 Note was the best-selling smartphone in the country during the quarter. Lenovo and Motorola together crossed 2 million units in india for the first time ever. It also stated that Apple finished the fiscal year with 1.7 million units in India, yet another first time incident.
Source: Counterpoint Research