Global online smartphone sales to reach new high in COVID year

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the share of online channel sales in total global smartphone sales is expected to reach 23 % this year - a 3 per cent increase from last year, according to a new report.

India continues to lead in online sales, with 40% of all smartphones being sold online during Q1 this year.

In India, Flipkart hosted half of online sales during the quarter.

The online market saw sales rise following the implementation of lockdowns and social distancing measures due to COVID-19.

Xiaomi was the leading brand in online channels across the country, accounting for 51% of total online sales.

The company saw 67% of its total sales happening online during Q1 2020. In contrast, Vivo sold only 11%of its phones online.

The UK recorded 35% and China 30% share of online sales.

"On the other hand, countries with strong offline distribution and carrier control, such as the US, Japan and South Korea, saw relatively low online sales," according to a report by Counterpoint Research.

The US recorded 14 per cent share of online smartphone sales in 2019, which rose to 17 per cent as Covid-19 started to spread in the country.

"In terms of brands, Apple dominated online sales with 44% share. Its iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro Max were the bestsellers in both online and offline channels. Samsung's Galaxy A10e was the No. 3 best-selling model in the online channel," said Yeree Yoon, Research Analyst.

Online smartphone sales in China reached 30 per cent in the first quarter of 2020.

JD.com led among online platforms while Huawei smartphones ranked first in both online and offline channels.

The top two brands in online were Honor and Xiaomi.