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European operators sold 4% fewer smartphones in the second quarter, but the open market fell 11%, lifting operators’ share from 35% to 36%, The Register reports, citing Counterpoint Research.
Why it mattersThe report links pressure on budget phones to the AI-driven memory crunch, which has pushed up the cost of components. Operator deals often feature pricier handsets, with monthly payments making them easier to buy. A small share shift, then, may say as much about what shoppers can afford as where they shop. Counterpoint expects operators to keep gaining ground for the next few quarters, though more retailer promotions could narrow the gap.
Discuss: Is the move to operator sales a lasting change in how people buy phones, or mainly a symptom of budget models getting squeezed out?
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