[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics topped India’s smartphone sales in the second quarter, while its archrival Apple failed to break into the top five vendors in the world’s third-largest smartphone market.

According to market research firm IDC, the Korean tech giant controlled 25.1 percent market share in India in the April-June period, up over 14 percent from its 10.9 percent market share a year ago.

During the cited period, the market saw 27.5 million smartphone shipments, a modest 3.7 percent growth on year. 

“With updated versions of J2, J5 and J7 released in Q2 2016, J-series devices continue to drive Samsung’s shipments,” IDC said in a statement.

Samsung has been diversifying its budget smartphone lineup in India, where the sub-US$150 segment is considered a strong foothold for smartphone vendors.

India’s Micromex came second with 19.9 percent, followed by China’s Lenovo with 7.7 percent and India’s Intex and Reliance Jio with 7.1 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.

Apple’s iPhone SE failed to make any significant impact in the premium segment. IDC reveals the names of the top five vendors only.

“China-based vendors’ shipments grew 28 percent over the previous quarter of which Lenovo Group, Vivo, Xiaomi, Oppo and Gionee were key contributors driving growth,” the research firm said.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)