India’s smartphone market grew by 5 percent in 2025, marking a rebound after two years of slow performance. According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, the growth was fueled primarily by rising consumer demand for premium smartphones, with Apple, Samsung, and Vivo leading the charge.
The study highlights that India’s smartphone shipments surpassed 155 million units this year, solidifying the country’s position as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing smartphone markets. Local manufacturing, government incentives, and the continued shift toward higher-end devices played key roles in driving growth.
Premium Brands Lead the Market Recovery
Apple and Samsung were the biggest beneficiaries of India’s renewed consumer demand. Apple’s shipments grew in double digits year over year, driven by strong performance of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series. The expansion of official Apple Stores in Mumbai and Delhi, coupled with localized production through Foxconn and Tata facilities, helped boost availability and brand visibility.
Samsung retained its lead in the overall premium segment, supported by sales of the Galaxy S24 and the newly launched foldable lineup. Vivo and Oppo also posted shipment increases, strengthening their positions in the midrange and affordable premium categories.
Counterpoint’s analysis found that premium devices — those priced above $400 — accounted for more than 20 percent of India’s smartphone market for the first time, signaling a long-term shift in consumer behavior toward higher-value products.
Midrange and Budget Segments Stabilize
While premium devices showed strong momentum, midrange and entry-level smartphones also stabilized after months of slower sell-through. Brands such as Xiaomi and Realme saw modest recovery as consumer sentiment improved and financing options became more widely available.
The report noted that aggressive discounting during major sales events, combined with extended financing schemes, encouraged purchases across all price tiers. The 5 percent overall market increase reflects both a return in consumer confidence and growing access to 5G devices under $300.
Exports and Local Production Strengthen
India’s smartphone exports reached record levels in 2025, with Apple and Samsung contributing the majority of outbound shipments. The country has emerged as a major global production hub, benefiting from government programs like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which continues to attract multinational manufacturers.
According to the report, Apple now exports nearly one in three iPhones made in India, underscoring the growing importance of local manufacturing in the company’s global supply strategy. This expansion has also supported job creation and increased domestic component sourcing.
Manufacturers are expected to focus on localized software optimization, extended battery life, and integrated AI features as key differentiators in next-generation models.
As India’s consumer base continues to expand and purchasing power strengthens, global smartphone makers are positioning the country as a critical growth market — both for domestic sales and global exports — in the years ahead.
