With the transition catching pace, up to 50% of India is set to change their smartphone.
As per reports, India’s Smartphone market is expected to rise with the 5G capability being rolled out, even though it is the third important feature being looked at.
Reports show that the INR 10,000-INR 15,000 price band was the sweet spot and the respondents’ future smartphone purchases, may be shifted further up to INR 20,000-INR 30,000.
Samsung, Apple and OnePlus continue to be the top three brands that consumers prefer. 51% of users of Samsung continue to remain loyal to the brand, while 43% fixate on remaining loyal even in their next purchase. Apple is the second most preferred brand in the country.
Research Analyst Arushi Chawla said, “Smartphones are now an important part of our lives. As a result, smartphone users try to upgrade their devices with every next purchase. When purchasing a new smartphone, more than one-third of the users plan to retain their current device as an alternative/secondary phone. Also, with more exchange offers available, more than one-fourth of the respondents plan to trade in their current smartphone when purchasing the next one. Therefore, users feel comfortable buying a smartphone from a higher price band for a better experience and updated features.”
Chawla added, “Samsung has a strong grip over the Indian smartphone installed base. It has a widespread distribution network and launches new models around the year across most price brands. All these factors have helped Samsung develop and maintain its brand value. Therefore, in the survey, Samsung maintained its top position both in terms of past ownership and current ownership and also for future preference. Samsung is followed by Apple and OnePlus as the most preferred future preference smartphone brands. The top reasons for preferring a brand are reputation, advanced features and user interface. As a result of these factors and the aspiration to move to a higher price band when purchasing a smartphone, users tend to prefer premium smartphone brands. In addition, 5G capability becomes more important as we move up the ladder for budget preference for future smartphones. 5G is one of the main factors taken into consideration for all major smartphone brands. But 5G is the most important factor for respondents preferring Apple as their next smartphone purchase.”
