28 November 2024

Smartphone shipments in South Asia have experienced a 39.5% year-on-year (YoY) growth in Q2 2024 with 2.9 million units — continuing a strong double-digit increase from Q1, according to the latest IDC report.

Bangladesh shipped 2 million units during the quarter with 20.1% YoY growth. This was attributed to the festive season of Eid which provided an opportunity for brands to introduce offers and discounts to consumers.

In Nepal, smartphone shipment continued to grow for three consecutive quarters with 548,000 units shipped and 77.8% YoY growth, as brands launched affordable and ‘high spec’ smartphones during Nepali New Year and Buddha Jayanti.

Sri Lanka’s market shipped 365,000 units with 218% YoY growth, showing a triple-digit growth trend for five consecutive quarters. The report noted that the quarter had been a celebration time for Sinhalese New Year, Vesak Poya, and Poson, in which new brands and new models were launched.

“Nepal and Sri Lanka are expected to continue the growth momentum in 3Q24, with the onset of the Diwali festive period in Nepal and expansion of Chinese brands in Sri Lanka through channel partnerships,” said IDC Senior Market Analayst Anjney Bhardwaj.

However, Bhardwaj added that the political unrest and floods are likely to result in a sharp drop in the Bangladesh market in the third quarter of 2024.

The average selling price of smartphones in the region also continued to increase, growing by 19.2% YoY and reaching $152 in quarter two of 2024. The low-end segment ($100<$200) accounted for 50% of the market, followed by the ultra-low-end (<$100) segment with a 34% share and the mid-range ($200<$400) segment with a 13% share.