The 4G and 3G tablet market share in India is increasing with every passing quarter, and the Q1 2017 is no different. According to CMR’s India Quarterly Tablet PC Market Review- 1Q 2017, a total of 0.76 million tablets were sold in India, recording a 6 percent decline over the previous quarter.
However, the market recorded a 16 percent decline in 1Q CY2017, when compared with the same quarter of last year. Datawind continued its top position during the 1Q CY2017, with a 34 percent market share. iBall was at number two position with 16 percent market share, followed by Samsung with a 15 percent market share.
The 4G and 3G based tablets witnessed a sequential increase of 15 percent and 31 percent respectively, in 1Q CY’ 2017 in terms of units shipped. Alternatively, 2G and Wi-Fi based tablets saw a sharp decline of 62 percent and 33 percent, respectively, in 1Q CY’ 2017 as compared to the previous quarter.
“The continuous decline in the Tablet space could be attributed to the lack of promotional activities in the space. Aadhaar has, of course, provided a lot of impetus to the market, but at the same time, B-To-C consumption entirely depends on the promotional activities and some exciting features. Aadhaar has led to a rise in government orders, which is a positive factor for the market,” says Menka Kumari, Lead-Analyst, Tablets, CMR.
Furthermore, the tablet market within the price category of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 and less than Rs. 5,000 witnessed 48 percent and 4 percent sequential growth respectively, during the quarter. On the other hand, the price category of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 saw a sharp 61 percent sequential decline in 1Q CY’2017 and Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 witnessed 26 percent decline, as compared to the last quarter in terms of units shipped.
“In 1Q CY’ 2015, the 4G market grew at a single-digit (6.86 percent), but with the growth of 4G connectivity, the 4G Tablets segment saw double-digit growth. The upward trend in 4G market growth would continue, and we anticipate the 4G Tablet market to clock 50 percent% in CY’ 2017,” Menka said.
The report further states that on the back of increased 4G penetration, the 4G tablets segment would constitute 50 percent of the market by the end of this year. So far, 4G availability in India has reached 81.56 percent, according to the recent OpenSignal report.
"The Android-based tablets have already captured the majority of the market, while Windows-based Tablets have seen a continuous decline in India market. It seems this scenario is not likely to change in the coming quarters also," concludes the report.
