Over 80% of Indian Consumers Desire Compact Smartphones with Premium Performance: Study

Synopsis
A recent report reveals that over 88% of Indian consumers are inclined to purchase compact smartphones with flagship performance. Key features include processor performance and battery life, with a strong preference for ease of use. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus are favored choices, with 73% prioritizing one-handed usability.
Key Takeaways
- 88% of users want compact smartphones with flagship performance.
- Processor performance and battery life are non-negotiable for many.
- 74% prefer compact devices, but options are limited.
- Comfort and usability are top priorities for consumers.
- Major brands in demand include Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus.
New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) More than 88% of consumers in India are inclined to buy a compact smartphone if it offers flagship-level performance, with over half of the participants unwilling to compromise on processor performance and battery life when choosing a compact device, a report revealed on Tuesday.
Counterpoint Research's recent findings indicate a solid demand for compact smartphones, with 74% of respondents expressing a preference for this form factor. However, 68% of those surveyed feel that the current market presents limited options.
Consumers expect feature parity in compact devices. Key challenges faced with large-screen smartphones include difficulty operating the device with one hand, secure handling, and heightened risk of accidental drops, according to the report.
Consequently, one-handed usability is deemed a critical factor, with 55% of participants prioritizing ease of handling and one-handed use as major reasons for favoring compact smartphones over larger alternatives.
This is closely followed by a desire for greater comfort during prolonged use (49%). A remarkable 71% of respondents also seek a favorable in-hand feel, while 69% focus on the aesthetic and tactile experience of the smartphone during the decision-making process.
“Consumers desire compact devices without sacrificing essential features such as processor performance and battery life. Many consumers approaching their upgrade cycles are now gravitating towards compact smartphones, driven by a need for more comfortable long-term use,” stated Counterpoint Research Director, Tarun Pathak.
However, the market still has limited options for compact yet powerful devices, he noted.
For their next compact smartphone, consumers favor brands like Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus, emphasizing the importance of features.
Given that 73% of respondents highlight the significance of comfortable one-handed use, a display size of 6 to 6.5 inches is regarded as ideal by 60% of them, according to the Counterpoint report in collaboration with OnePlus.
With the growth of casual mobile gaming, 86% of participants prefer compact smartphones to enhance their gaming experiences.
“Consumers are increasingly searching for compact smartphones that offer a seamless and comfortable one-handed experience for activities such as taking selfies, typing messages, and gaming,” remarked senior research analyst Arushi Chawla.