Smartphone and iPhone Sales Slump in Russia as Spending on High-End Tablets Climbs

Russian consumers have sharply changed how they spend on gadgets: they are spending much more on high-end tablets while cutting back on smartphones, and iPhone sales have also dropped noticeably, CNews reports.

What's happening with tablets

Tablet sales in Russia are growing, and buyers are readily choosing cutting-edge, expensive models — not just iPads, but also flagship devices from Chinese vendors.

• Tablet sales in Russia are growing
• Demand is shifting toward expensive, cutting-edge models
• Interest is growing not only in iPads but also in products from Chinese manufacturers
• Against this backdrop, the smartphone market has sagged nationwide

Why the smartphone market has sagged

Even as tablet demand rose, the smartphone market collapsed across the country: Russians are replacing their mobile phones less often. Sales of the iPhone, one of the most popular devices, have also fallen noticeably.

What it means

The change in spending patterns reflects a broader shift in buyer behavior. People increasingly see the smartphone as a device with a long upgrade cycle, while the tablet has become a less frequent but deliberate, pricier purchase for work and entertainment — one they are willing to spend more on even as they economize overall.