Russian Sputnik News Agency, Moscow, Russian retailer representatives told Sputnik News Agency that in the first eight months of 2023, Chinese brands accounted for 75% of total smartphone sales in the Russian market, while Apple continues to lose popularity.
M.video-Eldorado Group, a well-known Russian electronics and home appliances retailer, said: “According to our estimates, in the first eight months of 2023, smartphone sales in the Russian market increased by more than 25% year-on-year, reaching approximately 18.5 million units. Of these, approximately 14 million units, or three-quarters, are mobile phones of various Chinese brands. These brands continue to expand their business, launch many new products, compete with each other, and increase their visibility among Russian consumers.”
Xiaomi still ranks first in sales, Realme ranks second (ranked third a year ago), Tecno ranks third (fifth in 2022), Samsung ranks fourth (second last year), followed by Apple (which was fourth a year ago) and Infinix. In monetary terms, Apple remains ahead.
Alexei Bogudalov, commercial manager of the Russian Holodilnik.ru network, pointed out that as of the end of August 2023, Samsung accounted for 16% of total sales, while Apple’s share “is in the context of high exchange rates and high deficits.” It continues to decline, accounting for about 8%.
Motakin, chief analyst at Russia’s Mobile Research Group, agreed with the forecast. According to his prediction, by the end of 2023, the leaders of the Russian market will be smartphones from China’s Xiaomi, Realme and Tecno.