Indian mobile device sales to touch 231 million units in 2012: Gartner

According to the Gartner report, 'Market Share: Mobile Communication Devices by Region and Country, 3Q11',  the mobile handsets sale in India is expected to reach 231 million units in 2012. The growth cycle is expected to rise through 2015.

With more than 150 manufacturers competing for the Indian mobile users attention, the battle between both the domestic and global boys has never been so fierce. According to the report, while the domestic players are leading in the low segment market, the mid-range to high end market continues to be very competitive with the global players putting more focus on the Indian market than even before.

In terms of their position in the market, Nokia leads the race followed by Samsung, G’five, Karbonn Mobile and Micromax at the third, fourth, and fifth positions. 

According to Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner, "the big global brands will continue to face competition from local and Chinese brands as some of these brands are building capabilities to compete at a larger level covering broader consumer segments.” He further added, "the entry of Indian mobile handset players focusing on low-end, value conscious consumers has intensified competition in the Indian mobile device market."

The average selling price (ASP) of a mobile device is now approximately $45 ( Rs 2,250), with 75 percent of devices sold costing below $75 ( Rs 3,750)."

The smartphone sales in India made up 6 percent of total device sales in the first three quarters of 2011, and this share is expected to increase to 8 percent in 2012. Interestingly the 75 percent of overall sales in India in 2011 was dominated by low-cost devices.