According to Neowin , the data reveals that the number of active smartphone brands has dropped sharply from over 700 in 2017 to around 250 today. This decline is equivalent to nearly 500 brands going out of business, including popular brands such as Microsoft Lumia, BlackBerry, and LG.
Microsoft has killed the Lumia brand but still sells smartphones
Most of the brands being shut down are from local manufacturers in key markets such as India, China, the Middle East, Africa and Japan. Popular brands that are no longer available include Micromax, Intex, Karbonn from India, as well as Meizu, Coolpad and Gionee from China.
The global smartphone market has undergone significant changes in recent years, contributing to the decline of some smaller brands. Factors such as longer replacement cycles, a growing refurbishment market, supply chain issues and technological shifts have posed major challenges for smartphone companies, according to Counterpoint.
This is especially true for smaller smartphone companies, which have limited resources and less scalability than the largest manufacturers. While brands like LG and Kyocera have a presence in some markets, they ultimately struggle to compete in the face of industry headwinds.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft isn’t retreating from the smartphone market. While the Lumia line has been killed off, the company still has devices like the Surface Duo. In contrast, larger brands like Samsung and Apple are better equipped to weather the storm, thanks to advantages like large manufacturing capacity and a broader product portfolio.
Counterpoint also notes that some brands focused on premium segments or specific use cases may still survive. This includes brands like sustainability-focused Fairphone or senior-focused Doro and Sonim.
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