New Delhi: India’s smartphone market witnessed marginal growth of 1 per cent year-on-year in shipment volumes in 2025, but registered a strong 8 per cent increase in market value, highlighting the continued shift toward premium devices, according to a report released on Monday.
As per Counterpoint Research, more than one in five smartphones shipped in India now belongs to the premium segment, with Apple achieving its highest-ever value share in the country.
Vivo (excluding iQOO) emerged as the market leader in volume terms with a 20 per cent share, while Apple dominated the value segment with a 28 per cent share. The iPhone 16 was the most shipped smartphone model during the year, the report noted.
Samsung secured the second position in volume terms, supported by a well-curated portfolio across the mass market. Increased demand for high-end devices also helped the Galaxy S series achieve its highest-ever share within Samsung’s overall shipments.
Motorola was the fastest-growing smartphone brand by volume in 2025, recording a 54 per cent year-on-year growth, while CMF stood out as the fastest-growing sub-brand with an 83 per cent rise.
Commenting on the trends, Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, said India’s macroeconomic environment remained stable and resilient throughout 2025, driven by strong domestic demand, controlled inflation, and repo rate cuts that improved financial conditions and supported discretionary spending.
He added that original equipment manufacturers capitalised on this environment by strengthening their premium offerings, focusing on advanced camera features such as portrait photography and flagship-level experiences, along with easier financing options that encouraged quicker upgrades and higher spending flexibility.
The market followed a mixed pattern during the year, beginning on a subdued note due to high inventory levels and fewer product launches. Momentum picked up from the second quarter, aided by new launches, aggressive promotional strategies, and festival-driven channel stocking, pushing the third quarter to a record-high value.
Smartphones priced above Rs 30,000 emerged as the fastest-growing segment in volume terms, expanding 11 per cent year-on-year and accounting for 22 per cent of total shipments — the highest share ever recorded.
With inputs from IANS