Samsung Loses Pole Position in Four Asian Markets

Smartphone giant Samsung loses pole position in India as the top smartphone brand including other key markets. The reports come amid fierce competition from several Chinese brands’ strong sales at mid-range segments.

Samsung’s appeal has been crumbling in contrast to Chinese brands’ strong shipments in various countries of Africa, Asia, and Europe. In Q4 2020, the South Korean conglomerate lost its title of the top smartphone brand in India to Chinese firm Xiaomi. But the reports have emerged that the company has lost its top perch in other Asian nations too, all thanks to the Chinese brands.

According to Counterpoint Research, Samsung lost its top rank in four key markets of Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, and Vietnam.

The stats show that Samsung’s market share dropped from 22% in Q1 2020 to 19% in Q1 2021. In the meantime, OPPO has taken the top position in the region with a very respectable 22% market share. 27 million smartphones were shipped to these four countries in between the period.

Also read: Vivo Tops Smartphone Shipment For Q4 Of 2020 In Asia

Chinese Brands’ Insurgence in Asia

While Samsung and Apple still contest at the top-end smartphone market, it is the mid-range segment Samsung has found it tough to hold the ground.

Chinese brands and their sub-brands launch their pocket-friendly features-packed phones at convenient prices which have made it hard for Samsung to retain its old glory as of the top smartphone brand.

Check out: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Launched

The recent graphs highlight that Chinese brands have swept the leaderboards in those four Asian countries. Vivo had a 16% market share, while Xiaomi and Realme enjoyed 13% and 11% of market share respectively. These brands claimed third, fourth, and fifth positions in the order. While Apple is pushed to the margin with just 6%.

Samsung has been releasing several mid-range brands such as the M and A series offering a compelling set of features with massive battery power. However, they have not been able to lure enough customers from Chinese brands which have achieved their appeal as the go-to brands for low to mid-range phones. As a result, they are still the preferred brand for those seeking budget-friendly smartphones.

Check out: All Samsung Mobile Phones Available In Nepal | Price and Specs

What do you think of Samsung’s losing appeal in Asian nations? Can the South Korean brand reverse its dwindling fate with major specs leap such as 5G in mid-range or is it even possible?