Will India’s Premium Smartphone Market Experience 18% Sales Growth This Festive Season?
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Synopsis
As the festive season approaches, India's premium smartphone market is poised for significant growth. An 18% increase in sales and a 24% rise in market value are anticipated, driven by strong demand from consumers seeking the latest devices. Learn how brands like Apple and Samsung are positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Key Takeaways
- 18% year-on-year growth expected in premium smartphone sales.
- Super-premium smartphones projected to grow by 15%.
- Uber-premium segment could surge by 167%.
- Snapdragon chipsets hold 40% market share in premium devices.
- 85% of consumers are planning to upgrade their smartphones.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) The premium smartphone sector in India is anticipated to witness an 18% increase in sales (year-on-year) and a 24% rise in market value during the forthcoming festive season, according to a report released on Friday.
Within the premium category, super-premium smartphones (priced between Rs 50,000 and 1,00,000) are projected to grow by 15% year-on-year, while the uber-premium segment (Rs 1,00,000 and above) is expected to experience a remarkable 167% surge, driven by robust demand for the latest flagship devices, as highlighted in the report by CyberMedia Research (CMR).
As stated by Prabhu Ram, VP–Industry Research Group (IRG) at CMR, the premium smartphone market segment is thriving due to strong tailwinds from aspirational buyers, with Gen Z and millennial consumers looking for powerful devices that align with their evolving digital lifestyles.
“As accessibility and affordability improve, more consumers are inclined to purchase the latest premium devices. In the Android smartphone market, brands that excel in overall performance, design aesthetics, and on-device AI will likely benefit,” he noted.
From a consumer experience perspective, premium chipsets like Snapdragon are seen as crucial enablers of high-performance devices, offering seamless multitasking, immersive gaming, professional-grade camera features, and increasingly sophisticated AI and GenAI-driven experiences.
As of July 2025, Samsung (28%), Apple (23%), and OPPO (11%) were the leaders in the premium segment.
Premium Android smartphones powered by Snapdragon chipsets accounted for 40% of the market share, solidifying Snapdragon’s position as a leader in the premium smartphone arena.
The report also indicated that 85% of surveyed consumers are looking to upgrade their devices in the upcoming festive season.
“Apple is well-positioned for a successful festive season, bolstered by the launch of its iPhone 17 series and sustained demand for older-generation iPhones, which serve as attractive entry points into the Apple ecosystem,” the report also noted.
Consumers are prioritizing smartphones for performance (89%), gaming (85%), and future-proofing for generative AI features (45%), among other factors.
Across different price tiers, consumers increasingly consider the chipset as the smartphone's core component—over a quarter of them believe performance is more important than camera quality, display, or battery life.
“While the demand for premium smartphones is entering a pivotal growth phase as the festive season approaches, we remain cautiously optimistic about modest overall market growth. Despite ongoing challenges, increasing competition will drive innovation and broaden consumer choices, providing buyers with more options than ever before,” added Menka Kumari, senior analyst – Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CMR.
Point of View
With significant sales increases expected. This trend reflects changing consumer preferences and the influence of digital lifestyles. As competition intensifies, industry leaders must innovate to meet the evolving demands of consumers, ultimately benefiting buyers through a wider array of choices.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected sales growth for India’s premium smartphone market this festive season?
The Indian premium smartphone market is expected to see an 18% year-on-year growth in sales during this festive season.
Which smartphone brands are leading the premium segment?
As of July 2025, the leading brands in the premium segment are Samsung (28%), Apple (23%), and OPPO (11%).
What factors are driving the demand for premium smartphones?
Strong demand from aspirational buyers, particularly from Gen Z and millennials, seeking powerful devices that fit their digital lifestyles, is driving the demand.
What chipset is dominating the premium smartphone market?
Snapdragon chipsets are currently dominating the premium smartphone market, capturing 40% of the market share.
What percentage of consumers are looking to upgrade their smartphones this festive season?
85% of consumers surveyed are seeking to upgrade their smartphones during the upcoming festive season.
