Q1 2021: Xiaomi & Oppo Set to Capture 3rd & 4th Spots in UK Smartphones

According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, Xiaomi and Oppo, two leading Chinese OEM’s, are rising rapidly by working closely with UK operators, O2, Vodafone, EE/BT and Three. The two OEM’s are expected to win high-single-digit volume share in Q1 2021.

Xiaomi and Oppo Smartphone Share in UK Operator in Q4 2020 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Woody OH, Director at Strategy Analytics, said,

“Xiaomi and Oppo are cementing their smartphone market share in UK, being no.3 and no.4 OEM ahead of Huawei. The two Chinese vendors are prioritizing shipping their 4G and 5G-capable smartphones directly to operators in the UK. Operators are ramping up 5G service coverage across the country and prioritizing the sourcing of price-competitive 5G smartphones while Huawei is out of the game.”

Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, noted,

“The UK smartphone market was dominated by Apple, Samsung and Huawei until 2019. However, Xiaomi and Oppo have been very quick to seize on the opportunity presented by Huawei’s geopolitical problems. UK operators need a mix of innovative OEMs to provide affordable high-quality 4G/5G devices to support the transition to the next generation 5G technology.”

Photo by Toro Tseleng

Rajeev Nair, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, noted,

“Xiaomi and Oppo achieved mid-single-digit share at each operator that they are working within Q4 2020. We expect their share to get up to high-single-digits in Q1 and Q2 2021.”