Despite the smartphone market struggling in the Philippines last year, Counterpoint said in its 4Q2020 report that there was a big jump when it comes to online sales. For the last quarter of 2020, 17% of smartphone shipments in the Philippines were done online, which is 6% bigger compared to the same period in 2019.

This statistic shows that the Philippines is adapting well to eCommerce, prompting brands to make the most out of dishing out online exclusive deals. “At least for the short term, we expect online channel share to continue rising, especially through 1H with this second wave of infections bringing more lockdowns,” Counterpoint Research Senior Analyst Glen Cardoza said.

Things are very interesting when it comes to the top brands in the Philippines. While realme has the biggest annual shipment share growth as it hits double digits at 19%, Counterpoint reports that the top brand in the Philippines for 4Q2020 in terms of shipment share is vivo–grabbing 21% of the market.

By launching phones like the Y20i, vivo got the biggest share shipment share thanks to consumers in the Philippines having a strong preference for phones priced between $120(~Php 5.9k) to $150(~Php 7.3k). The same can be said for OPPO, realme, and Samsung, wherein their budget phones were the hot sellers to Filipino consumers. It is also worth noting that Xiaomi enters the top 5 for the first time, garnering 7% of the smartphone shipment share.

“The jump to 5000mAh-plus has been quick, driven in large part by requirements from bigger and better screens and more sophisticated camera setups. It also highlights the continuing role smartphones play in keeping Filipinos connected, especially during times of social distancing,” Cardoza explains.

Looking through the phones sold by OPPO, realme, Samsung, Xiaomi, and vivo in the said price segment, common features include at least a 6.5-inch display, at least a 5000mAh battery, and at least two rear cameras.