News

Rapid growth for smartphones in Brazil

 Smartphone sales in Brazil have risen by 128% in the first half of 2010 year-on-year, according to Nielsen.

The rise in popularity of the handsets is being attributed to the reduced prices of the phones in the Latin American country. The average price of smartphones dropped by 2% compared to 2009, and 5% compared to 2008, with smartphones now comprising 10% of the Brazillian mobile phone market.

MP3 players and FM tuners were the features consumers most desired on mobile phones, reflected in a 74% rise in sales of phones with MP3 players, and a 76% rise in sales of phones with radios. Sales of phones with cameras also increased 33%, and those with GPS 52%.

Half of people surveyed also said they intended to have digital TV on the next handset they purchased. Currently only 2% of phones sold have digital TV.

“The drop in the average price of smartphones has put them in the hands of more Brazilians, regardless of their income level. In the small but rapidly growing smartphone universe, 15% are owned by consumers in the two lower income levels,” said Thiago Moreira, regional product manager of The Nielsen Company’s Telecom Practice in Latin America.

Lynsey Barber, London