Smartphone unit sales in Russia, measured quarterly, have surpassed the pre-crisis baseline for the first time. This recovery trend is reported by Izvestia, citing major retailers and market players. In the second quarter of 2023, MTS and M.Video-Eldorado together recorded more than 6.5 million smartphone units moved, marking a 0.3% increase compared with the same period in 2021. This marks the first positive year-on-year momentum since early 2022, signaling a renewed call for personal devices in the Russian market. Analysts attribute this uptick to the aggressive push by Chinese brands, whose combined physical share has risen to the 70%–80% range, underscoring a significant shift in brand leadership and consumer preference.
Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasize robust demand for smartphones, noting that buyers continue to pre-order upcoming models and show sustained interest in new brands entering the Russian landscape. Official comments also reassure that supply remains steady across the market, including top-tier flagship devices, dispelling concerns about shortages for ever-popular premium models.
Eldar Murtazin, principal analyst at Mobile Research Group, regards the 0.3% growth as modest yet meaningful, highlighting market vitality and ongoing dynamics. He observes a leadership transition in Russia as Samsung and Apple exit from official deliveries, creating space for Chinese manufacturers to expand. Despite shifts in supply, consumers persist in purchasing high-end smartphones with long service life and advanced functionalities, reflecting a resilience in demand for longevity and performance.
In related context, industry watchers note that the Russian market is adapting to a broader global environment where price competition, feature-rich offerings, and after-sales support drive ongoing smartphone adoption. The trend toward earlier pre-orders and a willingness to embrace new players demonstrates a maturing market that values both reliability and cutting-edge capabilities. Analysts caution that future quarters will hinge on product availability, exchange rates, and the pace at which new models reach retail shelves, but the current momentum shows a steady recovery post-crisis.
Source: Izvestia cited retailer data and industry commentary. Additional insights from market specialists indicate continued consumer openness to premium devices, even as the market navigates broader economic shifts and regulatory changes affecting technology imports.