What Factors Contributed to the 1,900% Surge in Affordable 5G Smartphone Shipments in India in 2025?
Synopsis
Discover the extraordinary rise of affordable 5G smartphone shipments in India, surging by over 1,900% in 2025. Factors like competitive pricing, better chipset availability, and expanded 5G coverage drove this growth, reshaping the smartphone landscape. Learn how this transformation reflects changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Key Takeaways
1,900% surge in affordable 5G smartphone shipments in 2025.
5G smartphones now represent 88% of total shipments.
Significant growth seen in the Rs 6,000–Rs 8,000 price segment.
Apple's market share in India rose to 9% .
Large display smartphones (6.7 inches and above) accounted for 80% of shipments.
New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) The shipments of affordable 5G smartphones in India skyrocketed by over 1,900% in 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by competitive pricing, improved access to entry-level 5G chipsets, and the expanding reach of the national 5G network, according to a report released on Monday.
India's smartphone sector experienced a transformative phase in 2025, characterized by unprecedented growth in budget-friendly 5G devices alongside sustained interest in premium options. The most notable change occurred in the Rs 6,000–Rs 8,000 price bracket, as highlighted in the report by CyberMedia Research (CMR).
5G smartphones represented 88% of total shipments, marking a 12% year-over-year increase, clearly indicating that 5G has transitioned from a luxury feature to a standard market expectation.
Apple witnessed a 25% year-on-year growth in India, capturing 9% of the market share. The entry-level iPhone 16 made up 47% of the total sales within the 16-series, showcasing a clear consumer preference for the value-oriented base model over its Pro/Plus counterparts.
“The year 2025 was marked by recalibration rather than contraction in India’s smartphone market. While overall sales saw a slight decrease, the underlying fundamentals remained robust. The rapid expansion of affordable 5G, persistent demand for premium models, and the emergence of challenger brands signify a market in structural evolution rather than decline,” stated Menka Kumari, Senior Analyst at the Industry Intelligence Group (IIG) at CMR.
In 2025, smartphones with screens measuring 6.7 inches or larger comprised nearly 80% of total shipments, solidifying large displays as the preferred choice among consumers.
The feature phone segment continued to decline, with 2G feature phones decreasing by 12% year-on-year and 4G feature phones experiencing a drop of 48%.
MediaTek dominated India's smartphone chipset market with a 45% share, while Qualcomm led the premium segment with a 34% share, as per the report.
“In 2026, high component and memory costs are anticipated to exert pressure on pricing, leading to more cautious purchasing behaviors throughout the year,” mentioned Pankaj Jadli, Analyst at the IIG at CMR.
Consumers are not exiting the smartphone market; rather, they are becoming more discerning, extending the lifespan of their devices and opting to upgrade only when the value proposition is compelling, he added.
Point of View
It's evident that the smartphone market in India is undergoing significant changes. The remarkable growth in affordable 5G devices signals a shift in consumer behavior, where value and accessibility take precedence. This trend not only reflects the evolving technology landscape but also highlights the importance of affordability in driving widespread 5G adoption.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What drove the surge in 5G smartphone shipments in India?
The surge in affordable 5G smartphone shipments in India was driven by competitive pricing, increased availability of entry-level 5G chipsets, and the expansion of the national 5G network.
Which price segment saw the most significant growth?
The most significant growth came from the Rs 6,000–Rs 8,000 price segment, indicating a structural transition in the market.
What percentage of total smartphone shipments were 5G devices?
5G smartphones accounted for 88% of total shipments, marking a 12% year-over-year increase.
How did Apple perform in the Indian market in 2025?
Apple experienced a 25% growth in India, capturing a 9% market share, with the base iPhone 16 being particularly popular.
What does the future hold for smartphone pricing?
In 2026, elevated component and memory costs are expected to maintain pressure on pricing, leading to more measured consumer purchasing behavior.
