No slowdown in smartphones as e-commerce saves the day; sales up by 10%

Smartphone sales in India soared 10% in the April-June quarter, beating general slowdown blues evident in other industries like FMCG and automobiles. While several sectors are reeling under demand sluggishness, smartphone sales in the country spiked, riding high on the back of e-commerce, according to market intelligence firm IDC. “The online channel continued its growth momentum fueled by multiple new launches, attractive offers and affordability schemes like EMIs/cashbacks,” Upasana Joshi, Associate Research Manager, Client Devices, IDC India said, in a recent note. Over 69 million mobile phone units were shipped to the country in the second quarter of 2019.

Further, mobile sales in the second half of the year are also expected to go high. But, with the consolidation of top few brands, the smaller players will find it difficult to get a foothold, said Navkendar Singh, Research Director, Client Devices & IPDS, IDC India. The brands which play majorly on online platforms and are e-tailers will continue to see spiked sales due to new launches and price reductions in the last few launches till festive season in October, Singh added.