MediaTek smartphone market share rises to 50%, Qualcomm drops to 25% in India: IDC

While consumer demand remained strained, leading to excess inventory levels despite vendor efforts, the average selling price (ASP) of smartphones reached a record high of US$255, up 14% from the previous year. This surge in ASP was driven by a notable uptick in the premium segment, which accounted for 10% of the market in 2023, compared to 6% in 2022. Additionally, the rapid adoption of 5G technology contributed to a record 55% share of 5G shipments.

IDC India’s Smartphone Market Grew by 1% YoY in 2023 to 146 Million Units. (Image: IDC)

One significant trend observed was the increase in shipments of MediaTek-based smartphones, which captured 50% of the market, representing a 6% year-over-year growth. This surge was exemplified by popular models such as vivo’s T2x, Xiaomi’s Redmi A2, and Realme’s C55. In contrast, Qualcomm’s market share dwindled to 25%, experiencing a 6% decline in shipments.

The price segment breakdown revealed interesting insights into consumer preferences. While the entry-level segment (sub-US$100) experienced growth, the mass budget segment (US$100<US$200) witnessed a decline in shipments. Brands like vivo, Realme, and Samsung dominated this segment, collectively accounting for 53% of shipments.

In terms of brand performance, Apple showcased a remarkable year, shipping 9 million units despite its high ASP of US$940. Samsung maintained its leadership position in the market, albeit with a 5% decline in shipments year-over-year. On the other hand, vivo emerged as a strong contender, climbing to the second position with an 8% growth in shipments and ASPs.

The report also highlighted the growing popularity of foldable phones, with Samsung leading the market despite facing increased competition from players like Motorola, Tecno, OnePlus, and OPPO. Additionally, 5G smartphones continued to gain traction, with the mass budget segment witnessing a significant increase in share.