The latest Canalys report has indicated the size of the Indian smartphone market, growth trends, and consumer buying patterns during the first-quarter of 2025.
The report showed that Samsung and Xiaomi have lost significant share in the Indian smartphone market in Q1 2025.
The smartphone share of Xiaomi has decreased to 12 percent in Q1 2025 from 18 percent in Q1 2024.
The India smartphone share of Samsung has fallen to 16 percent in Q1 2025 from 19 percent in Q1 2024.
India’s smartphone market started 2025 with an 8 percent year-on-year decline in shipments, totaling 32.4 million units in Q1, largely due to weak consumer demand and excess inventory from late 2024, which disrupted product launches and prompted changes in channel strategies.
In Q1 2025, Vivo led the Indian smartphone market with shipments of 7.0 million units, capturing a 22 percent market share. Vivo’s success stemmed from strong execution across its V50, T-, and Y-series, while OPPO focused on rugged features and battery life to sustain growth.
Samsung followed with 5.1 million units and a 16 percent share, though it experienced a significant decline compared to the previous year.
Xiaomi, including its sub-brand POCO, shipped 4.0 million units and held 12 percent of the market, showing a notable year-on-year drop. Xiaomi’s Note 14 series faced tepid response, though the Redmi 14C 5G supported its performance in the budget segment.
OPPO, which excludes OnePlus in the data, also held a 12 percent share with 3.9 million units, reflecting slight growth from the previous year.
Realme maintained an 11 percent market share with shipments of 3.5 million units. Realme bounced back after correcting inventory, with the 14X 5G and expanded offline reach driving nearly 58 percent of its sales.
Apple had its best-ever Q1 in India, propelled by iPhone 16 series promotions, including the new iPhone 16e’s push into smaller cities, while Samsung saw 5 percent growth in its S25 series driven by premium features and AI innovation despite an overall shipment decline.
Both brands are targeting upgrades and higher ASPs through premium ecosystem strategies. Shifts in US tariffs are enhancing India’s role in global manufacturing and exports, but domestic demand remains fragile, especially in rural areas tied to monsoon-driven income and in urban centers with slowing upgrade cycles.
Other brands combined accounted for the largest collective share after Vivo, contributing 8.9 million units and 27 percent of the market.
With organic demand still weak, vendors are leaning on retail and distribution networks through channel schemes, offline activations, and tighter coordination to drive sales, Sanyam Chaurasia, Senior Analyst at Canalys (now part of Omdia), said.
As pandemic-era replacement demand fades, modest market growth is expected, with premiumization, rising ASPs, and financing options shifting consumer focus toward the ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 range.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
