With the gradual rollout of 5G services, the majority of new smartphone sales are expected to be 5G. According to a report, more than 58 per cent of the total smartphones sold in 2023 are expected to be 5G. The report, by Techarc, also mentioned that 5G smartphones with starting price of Rs 12,000 will help in the mass adoption of 5G devices in 2023 and beyond.

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"While there will be attempts to have ‘symbolic’ sub-Rs 10,000 5G smartphones, the market is expected to have a range of 5G smartphones starting Rs 12,000 helping in the mass adoption of 5G smartphones in 2023 and beyond," according to the data released by Techarc. 

The availability of 5G chipsets in the mid-range is allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to consider making more 5G smartphones with affordability at the centre stage. While Samsung is leveraging its own Exynos, other OEMs are likely to leverage a mid-range portfolio of Qualcomm and MediaTek. Historically we have witnessed MediaTek playing a key enabler’s role in the mass adoption of technologies like 3G and 4G, which we expect to continue in 5G also.

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The report also said that the sales of smartphones in the first half of 2023 (January-June) stood at roughly 49 million, which is roughly 25 per cent lower than usual. But it also said that the overall revenue this year is expected to be around $42 billion, up by around 18 per cent over the previous year.

It also said that the market will be able to make up the weak response of 1H with the total sales registering around the 140 million mark by the end of 2023.  

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According to Techarc, here are some of the market trends from January 2023

  • The 5G continued to be the key proposition. Gradually it is becoming available in the lower mid-premium segments paving the way for affordable 5G smartphones.
     
  • The ‘R-brands’ of Redmi and Realme are finding it difficult to transform with the market changes. There is strong resistance from consumers to explore their products beyond Rs 20,000 segment. 
     
  • Samsung has gone aggressive with its M series attack on the affordable segment. While it continues to leverage its stronghold on the ultra-premium Android segment, the M series has established it in the lower crust.
     
  • Nord has emerged among the very successful series that smartphones have had so far. This has strengthened OnePlus’ beyond the premium segment.
     
  • Apple drove the luxe (>Rs 50,000) growth with Samsung as the de facto choice of consumers wanting to buy Android beyond Rs 100,000.
     
  • It’s the return of offline for brands as they started focusing across the mediums.  Amazon has gained an edge over Flipkart and other marketplaces in terms of selling smartphones.
     
  • Lava has made a comeback ending the debate that there is no room for Indian brands.
     
  • Motorola and Tecno from Transsion Holdings have shown good results with a balanced presence in offline and online channels.