The rise of technological innovations has sparked the age of digital transformation in Sri Lanka, and smartphones are enabling netizens to explore the endless possibilities of the online world. The nation recorded a 245% increase in the e-commerce base as the basket went from $11 to $38 which was primarily driven by e-payment, e-banking, online medical consultation and e-sports, the latest segment on e-platforms.
Smartphones are also galvanising day-to-day activities with 43% people accepting to have tried newer things online. It is definite that the inertia has been broken and an increasing number of consumers would be inclined to adopt digital mechanisms.
Sri Lanka has recorded a 200% growth in Facebook and 50% growth in YouTube users. Thus, the digital landscape of the country is on the verge of blossoming and smartphones are aiding its augmentation.
The use of mobile phones has become a common feature among the people. At present, with over 10.10 million internet users and an internet penetration of over 47%, the Sri Lankan smartphone market stands at an 11% YoY growth.
Smartphone manufacturers are eyeing this opportunity of impending demand for smartphones. Deeper insights into the market reveal that 48% of the people would be interested in buying products that are manufactured locally. Thus, the vision of ‘Make in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Digital Sri Lanka’ can go hand in hand in reforming the smartphone industry in the coming years.
Driving customer-centric innovations
A zest for technology has paved the way for smartphone manufacturers to innovate gadgets that provide a personal, customized, and revolutionary experience to the users. In the foreseeable future, the smartphone industry will see an advancement towards ‘customer-centric’ innovations.
Smartphones are now becoming multitasking devices and are impacting every single aspect of our lives. They are now our workstations, binging portals and are replacing all other gadgets that help us in day-to-day activities. The needs of consumers are also evolving ranging from high definition displays for binging content, to a mammoth battery for work or a sturdy processor for gaming and minimum lag for a seamless experience. Feature-rich smartphones are sure to emerge as the game changers in the smartphone industry.
As a youth-centric brand, vivo is tapping into this wave of digital transformation and is manufacturing smartphones that cater to all the digital needs of the users. It is also exploring to tap the 5G wave that is bound to take the nation by the storm.
vivo plans to help in developing the digital fibre of the country and take it from ‘New Normal’ to ‘Beyond the new normal’ through its innovative smartphone technology, a company spokesman said.