Tablet market shipment in India experienced a significant decline of 22 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2023, according to a report by CyberMedia Research (CMR). However, the market also witnessed a growth of 29 percent quarter-on-quarter, indicating a potential recovery. In this article, we will analyze the key findings of the report and reflect on the future of the tablet market in India.
Despite the overall decline, Apple emerged as the leader in the Indian tablet market, surpassing Samsung by a small margin. Apple claimed a market share of 25.38 percent, driven by its premium offerings, while Samsung closely followed with a market share of 25.31 percent. This demonstrates the strong presence and competition between these two tech giants in the Indian tablet market.
While the tablet market saw a decline, WiFi tablet shipments showcased growth, surging by 12 percent year-on-year and capturing a significant 54 percent shipment share. This indicates the preference of Indian consumers for WiFi-enabled tablets, which provide seamless connectivity and flexibility. The rise of remote work and online education may have contributed to this trend.
Interestingly, 5G tablets displayed a 7 percent year-on-year growth, highlighting the potential for the adoption of 5G technology in the tablet market. As the report suggests, the remarkable speed and minimal latency of 5G open up fresh prospects for tablet gaming, which may serve as a driving factor for future tablet acquisitions.
Challenges Faced by Other Players
While Apple and Samsung maintained their market positions, other players faced challenges. Lenovo, although securing the third spot with a market share of 23 percent, experienced a significant decline in shipments by 30 percent. On the other hand, Realme witnessed a drastic decline of over 50 percent, accounting for only an 8 percent market share. In contrast, Xiaomi managed to achieve a remarkable growth of 155 percent, earning a 6 percent market share.
As the festive season approaches, the tablet market in India is expected to witness a surge in acquisitions. The combination of technological advancements like 5G and the introduction of foldable tablets opens up new possibilities for consumers. Foldables offer a blend of portability and elevated productivity, bridging the gap between conventional tablets and laptops. This evolution in tablet design could spark interest among Indian consumers, further driving the demand for tablets in the future.
While the tablet market in India experienced a decline in the second quarter of 2023, there are potential indicators of recovery. The dominance of Apple and Samsung, the resilience of WiFi tablets, and the potential of 5G technology suggest that the Indian tablet market holds promise. As manufacturers adapt to consumer preferences and technological advancements, the future of the tablet market in India looks intriguing.