Did 85.5% of Indian Households Embrace Smartphone Ownership?
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Synopsis
A recent survey reveals a significant trend in smartphone ownership across India, showcasing that nearly 85.5% of households now own at least one smartphone. This statistic highlights the growing digital landscape in both rural and urban areas, making it essential to understand the implications of this trend on communication and banking.
Key Takeaways
- 85.5% of Indian households possess at least one smartphone.
- Mobile phone usage in rural areas among 15-29-year-olds is 96.8%.
- Urban smartphone ownership for the same age group is approximately 97.6%.
- Online banking via UPI is accessible to 99.5% of young adults.
- Survey covered 4,382 first-stage units nationwide.
New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) A detailed survey conducted by the Ministry of Statistics revealed that in rural regions, nearly 96.8% of individuals aged 15-29 utilized mobile phones at least once in the past three months for personal calls and internet access.
In urban settings, the mobile phone usage rate is estimated at 97.6%.
For those aged 15-29, approximately 95.5% of individuals in rural areas own a smartphone, while this figure rises to about 97.6% in urban areas.
The report, titled ‘Results of Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom, 2025,’ indicates that among the 15-29 age group, around 99.5% reported they could perform online banking transactions through UPI.
In total, around 85.5% of Indian households own at least one smartphone. Furthermore, about 86.3% of households have internet access within their premises.
Among individuals aged 15-29, approximately 97.1% reported using a mobile phone (including smartphones) over the last three months.
Additionally, about 85.1% of those in the same age group indicated they had the capability to send messages (e-mail, messaging service, SMS) with attached files (documents, pictures, video) through mobile or computer-like devices in the last three months.
The survey encompassed nearly the entire India Union, except for certain inaccessible villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
At the national level, a total of 4,382 first-stage units (FSUs) were surveyed, comprising 2,395 in rural areas and 1,987 in urban areas.
In total, 34,950 households were surveyed (with 19,071 in rural areas and 15,879 in urban areas), and the enumeration covered 142,065 individuals (comprising 82,573 in rural areas and 59,492 in urban areas).
Point of View
It is evident that the digital revolution in India is accelerating. The findings underscore the importance of mobile technology in bridging gaps in communication and financial transactions, particularly among younger populations. As smartphone ownership rises, so does the need for policies that support digital literacy and equitable access to technology across all regions of the country.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Indian households own smartphones?
Approximately 85.5% of Indian households own at least one smartphone.
How many young adults in rural areas use mobile phones?
Around 96.8% of individuals aged 15-29 in rural areas have used mobile phones in the last three months.
What is the smartphone ownership rate among young adults in urban areas?
In urban areas, about 97.6% of individuals aged 15-29 own a smartphone.
What are the online banking capabilities among young adults?
The survey found that 99.5% of young adults report the ability to perform online banking transactions through UPI.
What was the total number of households surveyed?
A total of 34,950 households were surveyed across India.
