In 2021, the smartphone market in Russia saw a slight fall over the previous year. But while there were many reasons for the initial decline, it seems that the negative trend might continue in 2022 as well, owing to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The news arrives from Counterpoint Research, who noted that the Russian handset market fell by 7 percent year on year in 2021. Although, it saw a 10 percent rise quarter on quarter in Q4 2021. During this time, Samsung continued to lead the market with a sizeable 30 percent market share, which was followed by Xiaomi with 23 percent and Apple with 13 percent market shares. The modest decline in 2021 was primarily attributed to slower upgrade cycles for consumers that were using mid to high end devices.
Furthermore, Research Director Tarun Pathak stated that “Chinese brands contributed 44% of the total market in 2021 compared to 46% in 2020. The decline can be attributed to Huawei’s loss, but Chinese brands are gaining again, especially Xiaomi, HONOR and realme. Xiaomi has been steadily increasing its share in the market along with Samsung and Apple.”
However, the region might see a sharper fall in 2022, with Pathak further adding that “The current war has changed the entire landscape and pushed the handset market into uncertainty. The fall in ruble will lead to a steep price rise in the short term due to limited inventory and suspended deliveries. Also, as sanctions gather pace, it will be hard for OEMs to make a conclusive device strategy.”
RELATED:
- Apple stops selling its product in Russia following Ukraine Invasion
- Ukraine urges Apple to stop its product sales & App Store service in Russia
- Twitter Ads Suspended in Ukraine, Russia to Ensure Public Safety in the Region
- Russia Banned from Joining MWC 2022 and GSMA Events
- Telecoms offer free calls & waive roaming chargers in Ukraine due to ongoing crisis
