In 2023, smartphones with screens under six inches accounted for less than 5 percent of sales in Russia, a figure reported by M.Video-Eldorado based on a study conducted by the retailer. The trend highlights a sharp decline in compact devices, with roughly five percent of models still on the market this year, versus about fifty-five percent in 2019 as noted by M.Video-Eldorado.
The study shows that the average screen size of smartphones purchased by Russians in the first half of 2023 reached 6.55 inches. By comparison, the average diagonal was 5.1 inches in 2019, marking a decline of around 28 percent. The company attributes this shift to changing standards among manufacturers, who increasingly favor larger displays for a range of capabilities.
As explained by Sergey Uvarov, who heads the Telecoms Department at M.Video-Eldorado, the features users expect from smartphones today – work, entertainment, information, communication, and shopping – are now more efficiently performed on a large, frameless screen. The move toward bigger devices makes multi-tasking and media consumption more comfortable, and it aligns with consumer demand for immersive viewing experiences and easier navigation.
Industry observers anticipate continued growth in average diagonal sizes. A notable driver will be folding screen technology, which expands effective display area while maintaining compactness when folded. This approach could lead to the introduction of devices with seven to nearly eight inch screens without compromising portability, allowing manufacturers to blend practicality with expansive viewing spaces.
In related market news, there was mention that Russians are expected to maintain a steady interest in smart speakers, with ongoing purchases reported in bulk. This widening interest in connected devices underlines a broader shift toward integrated, voice-assisted ecosystems across households in the region.
Overall, the market story in Russia for 2023 centers on the ascent of larger screens, the potential of foldable designs to push display sizes higher, and the steady growth of smart home devices alongside traditional mobile hardware. This evolution reflects consumer priorities for versatility, easier interaction, and richer media experiences on handheld technology.