Over one-third of consumers who bought the Google Pixel 3 and the OnePlus 6T, during Q4 2018, were previous Samsung owners, according to Counterpoint Research’s US Smartphone Churn Tracker
Less than one in five people who bought Google Pixel 3 or OnePlus 6T device were previous Apple users claims Counterpoint. In Q4 2018, Google Pixel accounted for 7.3 per cent of Verizon’s total sales while the OnePlus 6T made up 2.4 per cent of T-Mobile’s total sales. Each device signaled an appetite for more diversity in premium device product line-ups from consumers.
The research read, “Despite the initial sales success, the Pixel 3 series has been ineffective in converting a larger share of iPhone users to Android. Conversely, 6T sales have been down Q1 2019 in spite of the strong Q4 2018 start.”
Source – Counterpoint ResearchPixel and Oneplus smartphones
Speaking about the Pixel smartphones, Jeff Fieldhack, Research Director at Counterpoint Research said, “The newest Google Pixel lineup was certainly successful in terms of disrupting the premium market space at Verizon. Google invested a lot of marketing money during Q4 2018 resulting in strong sales of the Google Pixel 3 lineup. Over half of all new Pixel 3 owners came from Samsung.”
He continued, “A total of 31 per cent of Pixel 3 sales came from previous Samsung Galaxy S7 owners. The Pixel was built to lead Android innovation and be a device to sway the iOS base over to Android. Over 80 per cent of volumes are coming from its Android partners. This is probably seen as a disappointment.”
OnePlus, which is one of the youngest smartphone brands in US has also been doing considerably well in the country despite its recent entry. China-based Oneplus had entered the US market in October last year.
Elaborating on the OnePlus 6T, Maurice Klaehne, Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research added, “The OnePlus brand has been a great disrupter in the industry and is a well-known brand for many tech enthusiasts. Starting with the OnePlus One, the brand has promised consumers solid performance for a lower price than the available Samsung and Apple flagships.”
Klaehne added, “When the 6T was announced for T-Mobile, at a sub-US$600 price point, consumers flocked to the device. Many users upgraded their older Samsung J2 Prime and Galaxy S7 phones. In addition, over 70 per cent of previous Apple users had an iPhone 7, iPhone 6, or older. Consumers who have older devices are looking for alternatives to the flagships that cost more than US$800 currently offered.”
