Russia Sees Smartphone and iPhone Sales Collapse, but Premium Tablet Spending Surges

The structure of consumer spending on gadgets has shifted sharply in Russia: buyers began spending significantly more on premium tablets while simultaneously economizing on smartphones, and sales of iPhones also dropped noticeably, according to CNews.

What's happening with tablets

Tablet sales in Russia are growing, and consumers are actively purchasing advanced, expensive models—not only iPad but also top-tier devices from Chinese vendors.

• Tablet sales in Russia are growing
• Demand is shifting toward expensive, advanced models
• Interest is growing not only in iPad but also in products from Chinese manufacturers
• Against this backdrop, the smartphone market across the country has declined

Why the smartphone market has collapsed

Simultaneously with growing tablet demand across the country, the smartphone market has crashed: Russians are replacing their mobile phones less frequently. Sales of one of the most popular devices—iPhone—have also declined noticeably.

What this means

The shift in spending patterns reflects a broader change in consumer behavior: the smartphone is increasingly viewed as a device with a long upgrade cycle, whereas the tablet is seen as a rarer but deliberate and expensive purchase for work and entertainment, one that consumers are willing to allocate more money toward even as they economize overall.