realme’s journey into 2024 began on a high note, cementing its position among India’s top five smartphone brands for 2023 and securing the fourth spot overall for Q4, marking a triumphant start to the year. This success is a testament to the brand’s remarkable growth trajectory, highlighted by significant milestones in 2023, including its fifth anniversary and surpassing 200 million global shipments.
In addition to its overall success, realme made significant strides in India’s online smartphone market in 2023, claiming the third position both overall and in the Rs 10,000-Rs 20,000 price segment. Moreover, the brand secured the second spot on Amazon and held the third position on Flipkart in December for smartphones within the same price range, showcasing its strong presence in the online space.
According to Canalys, realme shipped a total of 17.4 million units in 2023, with a record-breaking 4.5 million units in Q4 alone, marking its highest offline shipment share for that quarter. The brand has maintained a balanced channel contribution, with the narzo series driving ecommerce sales while the rest of the portfolio continues to dominate offline channels.
realme’s success can be attributed to its focus on delivering high-quality features and competitive pricing that resonate with Indian consumers. Transitioning from an “opportunity-oriented” to a “brand-oriented” approach, realme aims to deeply understand the needs of its youthful audience and expand its reach across global markets while maintaining its core values.
Looking ahead, realme is strategically positioned to leverage the expected revival of the Indian smartphone market in 2024, driven by the rapid adoption of 5G technology and increasing demand for value-focused offerings. Despite economic fluctuations, Indian consumers are actively seeking enhanced value in smartphone purchases, indicating a strong preference for premiumization.
Setting ambitious goals for 2024, realme targets a sales increase of 10 percent by investing in research and development to roll out innovative technologies tailored to the preferences of the younger generation. This emphasis on innovation is poised to propel realme’s growth and success within the Indian market.
