New Delhi: India’s smartphone market has shown impressive growth in the July to September quarter of the 2024 financial year, reaching a new milestone with 46 million units sold, marking a 6% increase over the previous quarter. According to the latest report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), the market experienced its fifth consecutive quarter of growth, signaling robust demand and recovery post-pandemic.
Chinese Brands Dominate the Market
The report reveals that Chinese smartphone manufacturers maintained a stronghold on the market, securing a combined 72% share. Leading brands such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo drove this dominance, as affordable mid-range and entry-level premium devices continued to attract a large user base in India.
Apple and Samsung in the Spotlight: iPhone-15 and iPhone-13 Boost Apple’s Sales
IDC’s Global Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker highlighted Apple’s record-breaking performance in the third quarter. Apple’s iPhone-15 and iPhone-13 models were especially popular, helping Apple reach a market share of 8.6%. With 4 million iPhones sold during this period, Apple achieved its biggest quarter in India to date, expanding the gap with Samsung’s 12.3% share in overall units sold.
The report further showed that in terms of revenue, Apple dominated the premium segment (phones priced above Rs 50,000), holding a 71% share, while Samsung’s share fell to 19% from 30% last year. Notably, the premium segment saw an astounding 86% growth, highlighting a rising demand for high-end smartphones among Indian consumers.
Entry-Level Premium Segment Drives Growth
The entry-level premium segment (smartphones priced between Rs 16,000 and Rs 35,000) also witnessed significant growth, surging by 42% compared to the same period last year. This segment accounted for 28% of the total sales during the quarter, with Oppo emerging as the biggest gainer. Samsung and Vivo saw their shares dip slightly, though their combined market share with Oppo remained at a strong 53%.
Tablet Market on the Rise: Apple’s iPad Dominates
Alongside smartphones, India’s tablet PC market also experienced notable growth, expanding by 46% year-on-year, according to CyberMedia Research (CMR). Apple’s iPad led the segment with a 34% market share, reflecting increasing demand for premium tablets, especially those priced between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000. This price range saw 108% growth, underscoring a shift among Indian consumers toward high-quality, versatile devices.
The Road Ahead for India’s Smartphone and Tablet Markets
India’s smartphone market appears poised for continued growth, with high consumer interest in both entry-level and premium devices. The expanding demand for Apple’s iPhones and iPads highlights a shift toward premium, feature-rich devices, reflecting a growing appetite for advanced technology among Indian consumers. As market players continue to innovate and bring new features to their models, the Indian market is expected to remain one of the world’s most dynamic smartphone and tablet landscapes.
