Xiaomi announced that, for the first time in its history in India, it has sent to this country more than 9.2 million smartphones in the third quarter of 2017. The brand sent 100,000 smartphones in each quarter of 2014, exceeded the brand of 1 million in Q3 of 2015, then 3 million in Q3 of 2016 and has now crossed 9 million units in Q3 2017. All this was a compilation made on Twitter by Manu Jain, Group Vice President and General Manager of Xiaomi India.
Manu Jain also revealed that the IDC research firm now classifies Xiaomi as the No. 1 smartphone brand in all of India. Therefore, Xiaomi is ranked number 1 in the third quarter of 2017 surpassing Samsung. Its biggest rival had the largest market share in the second quarter of 2017, but Xiaomi was always on its heels. OPPO, Lenovo and Vivo, could not do anything and also remain behind the prosperous Chinese brand, once again.
According to the latest data from Counterpoint, Xiaomi has registered a growth of 266% in the 3Q of 2017 compared to the same quarter last year. Also, it has a 22% share in the Indian market. The Counterpoint data also indicates that the Redmi Note 4, Redmi 4 and Redmi 4A are the most sold mobile phones in India. A report from another firm, Canalys, mentions that Xiaomi is approaching and will probably beat Samsung in the next quarter.
Globally, Xiaomi shipments crossed 70 million units during the first ten months of this year, exceeding the target set for 2017. According to IDC, Xiaomi ranks fifth in the world ranking of smartphones for the third quarter of 2017. Also, the company has sold 27.6 million units in total during this period, which means an increase of 102.6% over the same quarter of the previous year.
Xiaomi wants to further expand its market in India
The aggressive expansion of Xiaomi in the Indian market was due to several factors. Mainly direct distribution, its own Mi Home stores, Mi’s preferred partners and the association with large retail chains. All this has helped the company gain more advantage and bring even more gadgets to Indian consumers.
However, the Chinese giant wants to become the largest seller of high-end smartphones in India. This tried to make its entry into the premium segment with the Mi MIX 2; however, the price range of Xiaomi phones sold in India ranges from Rs 6000 to RS 15000 ($ 90 – $ 230). Even so, this does not stop the company, which little by little continues to climb in this market.
Finally, Manu Jain added – “I used to worry if we would be able to differentiate ourselves.” And, oh, they did! But the competition has not relaxed. The five leading brands represent 75% of the market, and the new ones have entered the market with special telephones. Jain suspects that there will be a reorganisation of India’s smartphone brands segment. Where only a handful of companies will survive and these will be those with excellent prices, specifications and innovative features.
