Is India’s Smartphone Market Really Growing 7% to 39 Million Units in April-June?
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Synopsis
India's smartphone market is witnessing a remarkable rebound, rebounding by 7% in the April-June period, driven by fresh product launches and dynamic vendor strategies. This surge marks a critical phase for brands as they prepare for the festive season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- India’s smartphone market grew 7% in April-June 2025.
- 39 million units were sold in this period.
- Vivo led the market with 8.1 million units shipped.
- Apple ranked sixth with significant contributions from its iPhone 16 series.
- Retail infrastructure enhancements are underway.
New Delhi, July 22 (NationPress) Thanks to improved inventory management and revitalized activity from vendors, India’s smartphone sector saw a significant rebound in the April-June timeframe, achieving a 7% increase year-on-year and reaching 39 million units, as reported by a recent study.
The surge was primarily driven by new product launches in the second quarter, following a cautious first quarter where vendors were conservative due to high inventory levels, according to Canalys, which is now part of Omdia.
“Intensified competition outside the leading five brands is transforming India’s smartphone ecosystem, as premium brands and innovative challengers refine their strategies,” stated Sanyam Chaurasia, Principal Analyst.
In Q2 2025, Apple ranked sixth, with the iPhone 16 series accounting for over 55% of its shipments, while the iPhone 15 and 13 continued to attract demand across various price segments.
The report indicates that Vivo (excluding iQOO) topped the market with 8.1 million units shipped, securing a 21% market share. Samsung took second place with 6.2 million units and 16% market share.
OPPO (excluding OnePlus) rose to third with 5 million units, just surpassing Xiaomi, which also shipped 5 million units. realme rounded out the top five with 3.6 million units.
“With limited organic demand, the second half of 2025 for India’s smartphone market will depend more on channel execution rather than product launches,” noted Chaurasia.
Brands are actively engaging distributors and retailers through channel incentive programs in anticipation of the upcoming festive season in India. These incentives include high-value rewards such as foreign trips and vehicle rewards tied to performance during the Monsoon sales, Durga Puja, and Diwali periods, according to the report.
Retail infrastructure enhancements are accelerating, featuring better booth designs, organized shelf placements, and strict quarterly targets for promoter engagement and in-store execution.
At the same time, brands are focusing on affordability by introducing long-term financing options, particularly for models in the mid to high range.
Point of View
The growth of India’s smartphone market showcases resilience amidst challenges. The evolving competition emphasizes the need for brands to innovate and adapt to consumer demands, ensuring a vibrant market landscape that benefits both consumers and manufacturers.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to the growth of India's smartphone market?
The growth was driven by improved inventory management and renewed vendor activities, alongside new product launches in the second quarter.
Which brand led the smartphone market in India during this period?
Vivo led the market with 8.1 million units shipped, capturing a 21% market share.
How did Apple perform in the smartphone market in Q2 2025?
Apple ranked sixth, with the iPhone 16 series accounting for over 55% of its shipments.
What trends are expected in the second half of 2025 for smartphone sales?
The second half of 2025 will depend more on channel execution than on new product launches due to limited organic demand.
What strategies are brands employing for upcoming festive sales?
Brands are locking in inventory with distributors and retailers through channel incentive programs, offering high-value rewards tied to performance.
