India’s 5G smartphone sales share tops 50% mark in April 2023

According to data from Counterpoint Research, the sales share of 5G smartphones in India crossed the 50% threshold for the first time in April, with companies like Samsung and OnePlus taking a third of the market. Analysts claim that the reasons for the growth are the growing implementation of 5G networks and people's preference for 5G phones over 4G ones when updating their devices.

“There’s still a long way to go, especially in terms of network coverage. But this is a milestone for sure,” said Mr. Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint.

Despite the fact that 5G coverage is still patchy in most of the country, according to the research organisation, the market share of 4G phones has been declining from November 2022 to April 2023. In November last year, the share of 4G smartphones was at 64% of all smartphones, while sales of 5G smartphones were at 36%. According to Counterpoint, in April 2023, the sales share of 4G smartphones dropped to 50% while the share of 5G devices increased to 50%.

“Samsung helped 5G get across the line but OnePlus was the real winner. Huge month for them as they punched above their weight capturing a third of all 5G sales,” said Ms. Shilpi Jain, Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint. In the January-March quarter, 5G smartphones’ contribution to total mobile shipments reached a record of 43%, according to Counterpoint. Samsung was the leading brand for 5G shipments with a 24% market share.

According to Crisil, out of the 150-170 million annual smartphone shipments in India, currently about 30-35% are 5G-enabled.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.