Smartphone imports to Russia fell by almost 40%

For the first half of 2022, 9.9 million smartphones were delivered to Russia, which is 38% lower year-on-year, informed “Kommersant” with reference to the analytical report of GS Group.

According to the document, the supply of budget smartphones worth up to 10,000 rubles. halved compared to last year – they fell by 56% to 2.7 million units. Imports of mid-range smartphones (RUB 10,000–30,000) decreased by 24% to 5.5 million units, while imports of expensive devices decreased by 38% to 1.6 million units. At the same time, according to the company, phones of the lower price segment account for 27% of total deliveries (a year earlier, the figure was 38%), the middle segment – 56% (46% a year ago), and the share of the upper segment remained at the level of 17%.

According to analysts, such a reduction in budget devices is due to the departure of the South Korean electronics manufacturer. Samsung from the Russian market, whose share was almost a third. Also influenced by the fact that the Chinese companies Xiaomi and Realme almost halved the number of low-cost models supplied.

AT MTS reported that lower-end smartphone sales fell 34% in the first half of the year. MegaFon noted that the reason for the overall drop in sales was violations in logistics, but now the situation is stabilizing. According to a source in one of the retailers, another reason could be a global shortage of chips, due to which prices have risen significantly. He noted that devices that used to cost 10,000 rubles are now sold for 15,000 rubles. Now the cost of budget smartphones is about twice as high as in India and China due to the ruble exchange rate and logistical restrictions, according to TelecomDaily analyst Ilya Shatilov. He suggested that the market for cheap smartphones will continue to shrink.

However, retailers such as Citilink andM Video – Eldorado”, noted an increase in demand for devices up to 10,000 rubles. “We expect that the demand for this category will continue, for example, such devices are traditionally in demand before the start of the new academic year,” the company said.M Video – El Dorado.

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