Xiaomi Redmi 5A was the best-selling smartphone in India in Q1 2018 with 12 per cent market share, according to Counterpoint Research
Xiaomi Redmi 5A and Samsung Galaxy J7 Nxt were the most popular phones in India in the first quarter of 2018. The individual breakdown based on shipments, provided to indianexpress.com by Counterpoint Research, shows that the top five smartphones list for Q1 2018 is dominated by two names: Xiaomi and Samsung.
According to Counterpoint Research, the Redmi 5A was the best-selling smartphone in India in Q1 2018 with 12 per cent market share. The Redmi 5A proved a massive hit among budget shoppers and perhaps the reason why it is so popular in India. Pitched as the “Desh Ka Smartphone”, Redmi 5A strikes a balance between performance and design. It is perfect for those who are buying their first smartphone or upgrading an existing one. Available in two variants, the 2GB RAM variant costs Rs 5,999 and the 3GB RAM variant sells for Rs 6,999.
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At number 2 spot is the Samsung Galaxy J7 Nxt with 7 per cent market share. While many believe the South Korean major is losing its hold on the Indian smartphone market, the success of the Galaxy J7 Nxt paints an entirely different picture. For less than Rs 10,000, you get a Super AMOLED screen, enough performance to run the most popular apps, and a 3,000mAh battery that will get you through the day. The 2GB variant of the Galaxy Nxt costs Rs 9,490 in India.
Next comes the Samsung Galaxy J2 2017, which grabbed a market share of 6 per cent. The phone comes with a 4.7-inch qHD Super AMOLED display (540×960 pixels resolution), a 1.3GHz quad-core Exynos processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB of internal memory, 5MP rear camera and a 2,000mAh battery. The phone isn’t blazing fast nor does it have a premium feel to it, but is still quite popular maybe because of its Rs 6,190 price tag.
Surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy J2 2016 continues to be a hot seller in India.
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 5 is still going strong and has the fourth position with 4 per cent market share. The Redmi Note 5 isn’t the flashiest smartphone, but it’s a solid phone in the mid-end segment. The phone has a great design and build quality for its price, along with a large 18:9 display with a fingerprint sensor. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is priced at Rs 9,999 for the 3GB RAM model and Rs 11,999 for the 4GB RAM option.
Surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy J2 2016 continues to be a hot seller in India with no less than 3 per cent market share during the first quarter. The phone’s specifications aren’t impressive, except for the ‘Smart Glow’ ring on the back of the device, which changes its colour depending on alerts and notifications. The Samsung Galaxy J2 2016 is priced at Rs 7,777.
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India’s overall mobile phone shipments grew 48 per cent YoY in Q1 2018. Xiaomi was the top smartphone brand in India with 31 per cent market share followed by Samsung with 26 per cent market share, says Counterpoint.
The research firm predicts the 18:9 aspect ratio screens will continue to grow and penetrate the entry-level segment of the market. At the same time, a dual-camera setup on the phones has emerged as the top feature currently demanded by consumers in India. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro, Vivo V9 and V9 Youth, Oppo F7, OnePlus 6, and Galaxy A6 Plus are some of the popular models with dual cameras. Counterpoint also estimates the notched display will remain popular amongst the new launches and will penetrate the mid-segment.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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