Premium Smartphones Grew 18 Percent In 2018 Despite The Global Smartphone Market Slowdown

According to Counterpoint Research’s recent Market Pulse December 2018 report, the global premium smartphone segment* continues to grow faster than the overall smartphone market. The growth for the year was driven by Apple, Samsung and Chinese OEMs like Huawei, OPPO, vivo and One Plus. Brand diversity in the premium segment is increasing.

Tom Kang, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, comments “Within the premium segment, the $800+ ultra-premium segment has been growing the fastest. In 2017 it was merely 8 percent of the premium market (defined as $400+). Ever since the Apple iPhone X was introduced in late 2017, prices have jumped to a new level. Furthermore in 2018, the new flagships of Apple (XS, XS Max), Samsung (note 9) and Google (Pixel 3 XL) were all launched above the $800 price. OEMs were able to increase the average price points (ASPs), taking advantage of the headroom created by Apple.”

Also, according to Counterpoint’s consumer lens, consumers are now willing to spend more on their device, but at the same time holding on for a longer period. Thus, the overall market growth is slowing, but the premium segment is expanding.

Varun Mishra, the Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, added “Going forward, the trend of premium smartphones is likely to continue. Introduction of 5G phones, foldable displays and popularity of the so-called, affordable premium segment in emerging markets will further drive the growth.”

Market Summary:

• The global, premium smartphone segment grew faster (+18 percent) than the overall smartphone segment (-2 percent) in 2018. Growth was driven by flagship launches of Global players like Apple, Samsung and Google. Chinese players like Huawei, OPPO and vivo also followed this trend.
• Apple led the global premium smartphone segment capturing 51% share of the segment, followed by Samsung (22 percent) and Huawei (10%).
• The $800+ segment was a newly created category by Apple, and it grew the fastest. Apple clearly dominated with more than80% share in the USD 800+ ultra-premium price band.
• The affordable premium segment, the USD 400-USD 600 price-band, was actually the largest volume segment in total premium sales. Although Apple still leads in this segment, the biggest winner was OnePlus.
• OnePlus remains one of the fastest growing brands in the USD 400-USD 600 segments. The success of OnePlus in India drove the overall premium smartphone shipments in the country to a record number in a single year. The brand is likely to grow as it broadens its reach in the European and US markets.―CT Bureau