Q1 2023: China‑made smartphones dominate the Russian market
In the first quarter of 2023, Xiaomi led the Russian smartphone market by unit sales, emerging as the most popular brand in the country. This finding comes from the M.Video-Eldorado study and reflects ongoing shifts in consumer preference and availability that shaped early‑year buying patterns. The data highlights how brand presence, pricing strategies, and product variety can influence what people choose when upgrading or replacing their devices.
Realme trailed closely behind, securing the second spot in popularity. This marked a notable jump from the previous year when Realme stood at fourth in the top five. Samsung claimed the third position, while Apple held the fourth, reversing its prior ranking placements. Tecno, another Chinese manufacturer, completed the top five. Collectively, these five brands accounted for a substantial portion of all smartphones sold during the quarter, underscoring a concentrated market with a few key players driving most consumer purchases.
The research indicates that Chinese devices accounted for roughly 70% of the Russian smartphone market at that time. Several factors help explain this outsized share. robust distribution networks ensured broad availability in retail stores, while a wide product range addressed a spectrum of price points and consumer needs. Additionally, growing awareness of new brands and models contributed to sustained demand, enabling customers to find devices that match budgets and preferences without compromising core features such as camera quality, battery life, and software updates.
Overall, the Russian market in early 2023 reflected a trend seen in many regions: consumers gravitate toward brands that offer a balance of value, features, and accessibility. While premium devices continued to appeal to a segment of buyers, the majority favored value propositions and a diverse lineup that allowed for practical choices across different wallets and usage scenarios. This environment encouraged manufacturers to expand their portfolios and promotions, further driving the popularity of widely available Chinese brands while maintaining competition from established global names.