Did Smartphone Exports Really See a 55% Surge, Manufacturing Over 330 Million Devices Annually in India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Smartphone exports surged by 55% in FY 2025-26.
- Over 330 million mobile phones are manufactured annually in India.
- India has surpassed China as the leading smartphone exporter to the US.
- Mobile phone production has increased 28-fold since 2014-15.
- Job creation in the electronics sector exceeds 12 lakh jobs.
New Delhi, Sep 18 (NationPress) Smartphone exports have exceeded Rs 1 lakh crore within the initial five months of FY 2025-26, marking an impressive 55% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Furthermore, India is manufacturing over 330 million mobile phones annually, with approximately one billion devices currently in use, as stated in an official announcement.
In Q2 2025, India surpassed China to claim the title of the leading smartphone exporter to the United States.
“The broader scenario remains optimistic—India’s mobile phone manufacturing sector has created over 12 lakh jobs in the last decade, enhancing family incomes and fortifying India’s socio-economic framework,” the statement noted.
The smartphone landscape in India is rapidly changing, with consumers increasingly favoring 5G technology and premium features.
Market research indicates that 5G smartphone shipments accounted for 82% of total shipments last year, showcasing a remarkable 49% year-on-year growth.
Mid-range devices priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 13,000 remain in high demand, expanding the market for high-performance yet affordable smartphones.
Simultaneously, the premium segment (priced above Rs 25,000) saw substantial growth, achieving a 26% year-on-year increase as consumers embrace high-performance devices as symbols of lifestyle.
This dynamic illustrates India’s market adaptability, with growth across premium, mid-range, and value segments, catering to a diverse and increasingly tech-savvy consumer base.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that India’s journey in electronics manufacturing has evolved through distinct phases: starting with finished goods, moving to sub-assemblies, and now advancing into deep component manufacturing.
The sector is progressively transitioning into this crucial phase, marking a significant advancement in value addition, self-reliance, and ecosystem depth. Total electronics production has surged from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in 2024-25.
Mobile phones are the standout success of the electronics manufacturing boom, with production increasing from Rs 18,000 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 5.45 lakh crore in 2024-25, a remarkable 28-fold growth.
India ranks as the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world, boasting over 300 manufacturing facilities. Tamil Nadu is home to more than 47 electronics manufacturing units, supported by various initiatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as per the official statement.