Market research firm IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report revealed that smartphone shipments in India fell 16% year-on-year in Q1 2023, amounting to 31 million units shipped. This is the lowest first-quarter shipment in the country in four years.

Both Realme and Xiaomi recorded the highest declines in shipments during the quarter. Meanwhile, IDC predicted a flat growth rate for India’s smartphone market in 2023.

Samsung Led the Market Despite an 11.4% Dip in Shipments

Samsung emerged as the market leader with a 20.1% share despite an 11.4% drop in shipments. It was followed by Vivo with a 17.7% market share, while Oppo recorded the only growth in shipment and secured a market share of 17.6%.

Xiaomi’s Shipment Fell by 41.1%

Xiaomi’s shipment fell by 41.1% to 5 million units, and its market share declined from 23.4% in Q1 2022 to 16.4% in the same quarter this year. Realme’s shipment decreased by more than half to 2.9 million units, and its market share dropped to 9.4% from 16.4% during the same period.

IDC Report Explains the Reason for the Decline in Shipments

IDC explained that sluggish consumer demand amid uncertain macroeconomic conditions and elevated inventory levels due to high stocking in H2 2022 were the reasons behind the decline in shipments.

5G Smartphones’ Share Increased to 45%

The report further revealed that 5G smartphones’ share increased to 45% from 31% in the same period last year. Samsung led the growth in 5G smartphones and accounted for over a quarter of the shipments in this segment. IDC India Research Manager, Client Devices, Upasana Joshi, said that 5G smartphones continue to increase penetration in the low-end price segment, and a strong 5G play is expected in the USD 150 to USD 300 segment in H2 2023 as high-end 4G models vacate the space.