new Delhi. Motorola has emerged as the third-largest smartphone brand in the US for the first time in 2021, as it benefits from the decline of LG. According to Counterpoint Research, this is the first time Motorola, with more than 10 percent market share, has become the third original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the US for a full year. Research Director Jeff Fieldhack said, “Motorola has been a major OEM filling the void left by LG’s exit. OEMs have all the key features that major carriers look for in a complete portfolio, the ability to ramp volumes, and low return rates.” Motorola’s sub-$300 portfolio – the Moto G Stylus, Moto G Power and Moto G Pure – continues its success in the US. In 2008, when feature phones dominated, Motorola was the largest handset (smartphone and feature phone combined) OEM in the US.
However, within the smartphone segment, this is the first time that Motorola has entered the top three in the US market for a full year. Motorola sales more than doubled in 2021, growing 131 percent (on-year). While Apple and Samsung dominate the premium price band, Motorola went through the ranks to become the second smartphone player in the US$400 and below price segment.
“Motorola has grown its market share in major US prepaid channels (Verizon Prepaid, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket and Boost) to 28 per cent,” said Varun Mishra, senior analyst. Motorola has had a very strong tax season (February-March) in the US market. The brand aims to increase its volume in higher price tiers for 2022 and 2023. Mishra said, “It will be challenging with the strong presence of Apple and Samsung in the US market. However, Motorola was very quick to release 5G and foldable devices.”
