Tablet sales have surged over the past year, thanks to the demand generated by remote learning and home entertainment. Samsung managed to ship over 31 million tablets last year, which is a 40% growth compared to 2019. Things aren't looking so rosy in the Indian market, though, as Apple has managed to kick Samsung down to the third position in the tablet segment.
According to the latest report from market research firm CMR (CyberMedia Research), Apple had the second-highest market share (29%) in India's tablet market. The US-based brand had a market share of 29%. Samsung, on the other hand, dropped down from second to the third rank during the quarter. Apple saw a 144% year-on-year rise in iPad shipments in the first quarter of this year. Lenovo continued to top the Indian tablet market due to its low-cost devices.
Apple's rise seems impressive, especially considering that it has the highest ASP (average selling price) in the tablet segment. The cheapest iPad costs INR 34,900 (around $465), while the cheapest Galaxy Tab costs just INR 10,999 (around $146). This shows Apple's brand value and aspirational appeal. If Samsung wants its place back, the company needs better products, a better ecosystem of apps and services, and more importantly, better marketing.
Prabhu Ram, Head of Industry Intelligence Group at CMR, said, “Driven by the everything-from-home trend, Apple had a breakout quarter with iPad shipments growing a phenomenal 144% year-on-year in Q1 2021. Apple’s success is remarkable, as it lacks the cost-advantage that Android tablets have.“
