How Did India's Smartphone Market Value Surge 8% in 2025 While Apple Claims Record Share?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) The smartphone market in India experienced a modest growth of 1% year-over-year in volume, but a significant increase of 8% in value in 2025, highlighting ongoing premiumisation, according to a report released on Monday.
The findings from Counterpoint Research indicate that more than one in five smartphones shipped in India now falls within the premium category, with Apple achieving its highest-ever value share.
In terms of volume, Vivo (excluding iQOO) topped the market in 2025 with a 20% share, while Apple led in value with a 28% share, and the iPhone 16 emerged as the most shipped model, as reported.
Samsung secured the second position in volume, supported by a well-targeted portfolio in the mass market, according to the research firm. The Galaxy S series saw its highest-ever shipment share due to a spike in demand for premium devices.
Motorola emerged as the fastest-growing brand by volume in 2025, boasting a 54% year-over-year growth, with CMF being the fastest-growing sub-brand at 83%, the report noted.
“The macroeconomic landscape in India remained stable and resilient in 2025, bolstered by strong domestic demand, controlled inflation, and repo rate cuts that eased financial conditions and supported discretionary spending,” stated Tarun Pathak, Research Director.
Manufacturers capitalized on this environment by enhancing their premium offerings, focusing more on high-end camera capabilities like portrait photography and providing flagship experiences, alongside more accessible financing options that facilitated quicker upgrades and greater budget flexibility, Pathak added.
Overall, the market displayed a mixed trajectory in 2025, starting the year on a softer note due to high inventory levels and fewer product launches. However, momentum picked up from Q2, driven by new launches, aggressive promotions, and festival-related channel stocking, pushing Q3 to achieve a record quarterly value.
Smartphones priced above Rs 30,000 in the premium segment emerged as the fastest-growing category in 2025, expanding by 11% year-over-year and representing 22% of total shipments, marking the highest share ever recorded.
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