Entry-level handset segments set to decline in emerging economies due to Coronavirus: Counterpoint

NEW DELHI: Global smartphone shipments declined steeply by 13% year-on-year and fell below 300 million units in Q1 2020 as Covid-19 continued to wreak havoc on smartphone shipments around the world, Counterpoint said.

However, the combined market share of the top 10 brands increased to 83% in Q1 2020 from 80% in Q1 2019 with Samsung leading the smartphone market during the quarter. However, ir declined 18% year-on-year during the quarter and is expected to see a steeper decline in Q2 2020, said Counterpoint.

The first quarter witnessed a 27% year-on-year decline in China, the initial epicenter of the outbreak. Though smartphone makers were able to offset the decline to some extent by shifting to online channels. Overall, the market share of China in the global smartphone market, in Q1 2020 reduced to 22% from 26% a year ago.