Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, Honor, realme, and OnePlus have capitalized on the vacuum left by tech giants to solidify their presence in the Mexican market. According to a report from expansion.mx, the entry of these manufacturers accelerated following the Huawei crisis and LG's withdrawal.
The decline of Huawei, triggered by the ban preventing it from using Google services, eliminated Samsung's primary competitor. Simultaneously, the shutdown of LG's mobile division in 2021 left behind a void representing nearly 15% of the market share.
According to an analysis by The CIU, the departure of these two players left a significant portion of the industry up for grabs. “Between both events, more than a third of the market became available for competition,” the firm noted.
A shift in consumer profiles
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed mobile device usage in Mexico, turning them into essential tools for work, education, and commerce. Galván, a specialist consulted for the report, noted that “the pandemic accelerated everything, as the phone ceased to be just a communication device and became a tool for work, education, entertainment, banking, commerce, and general access to the digital ecosystem.”
This shift in usage has driven an increase in average spending among Mexican users. Consumers are no longer just looking for the lowest price; they are seeking tangible improvements in key components such as cameras, memory, and processors.
Data from The CIU shows that mid-range devices already accounted for 63% of the market in 2021. By 2024, the trend has shifted toward a clear preference for mid-to-high-end devices, while demand for low-end devices continues to decline.
