The Indian smartphone market saw a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 7.3 percent during the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, according to a report released by a market research firm. In the first half of the year, India recorded shipments of 70 million smartphones, reflecting a modest YoY growth of 0.9 percent. While recovery from a recent downturn is noted, the report suggests that sluggish consumer demand and escalating prices may hinder growth prospects throughout the year.
Indian Smartphone Market Sees 7.3 Percent Growth in Q2 2025
As highlighted in a report by IDC, utilizing data from its Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, India’s smartphone shipments reached 70 million units in the first half of 2025, indicating a 0.9 percent YoY increase. In Q2 alone, 37 million smartphones were shipped, representing a 7.3 percent YoY rise. This growth can be attributed to a flurry of new model releases across various price categories, price reductions on older models, improved margins for offline sales, and robust marketing campaigns during the second quarter.
Despite emerging from two consecutive quarters of decline, the overall recovery is likely to be moderated by weak consumer interest and increasing average selling prices (ASPs), as per the report.
Apple maintained a strong position by boosting its shipments to 5.9 million units in H1 2025, marking a significant 21.5 percent increase YoY. The iPhone 16 emerged as the top-selling smartphone in India during this period, contributing to four percent of the nation’s total shipments.
The report further indicated that Vivo continued to lead the Indian smartphone market for the sixth consecutive quarter, thanks to a well-balanced portfolio across multiple price brackets and sales channels. Samsung followed in second place, experiencing a 21 percent growth driven largely by the introduction of new Galaxy A, M, and F series models featuring artificial intelligence enhancements.
Oppo claimed third place, buoyed by the success of its budget-friendly models, Oppo K13 and Oppo A5x, as well as a commitment to enhancing service center support. Nothing captured the highest year-on-year growth at an impressive 84.9 percent, while iQOO trailed closely with a 68.4 percent increase.
The entry-level segment (priced under $100, roughly Rs. 8,900) experienced a notable YoY growth of 22.9 percent, expanding its market share from 14 percent to 16 percent, with Xiaomi leading this category through its budget Redmi A4 and Redmi A5 offerings.
The mass budget segment (priced between $100 and $200, roughly Rs. 17,500) saw a slight YoY growth of 1.1 percent, though its market share dipped from 44 percent to 42 percent. Vivo, Oppo, and Realme maintained dominance in this space, collectively accounting for 60 percent of the segment’s share.
For the entry-premium segment (priced between $200 and $400, roughly Rs. 35,100), shipments experienced a decline of 2.5 percent YoY, resulting in a market share decrease from 30 percent to 27 percent. Vivo, Samsung, and Oppo remain the leading brands, while Motorola experienced a significant growth, positioning itself fourth.
The mid-premium segment (priced between $400 and $600, roughly Rs. 52,600) exhibited robust growth of 39.5 percent, increasing its market share from four percent to five percent in Q2 2025. Oppo and OnePlus emerged as the primary beneficiaries compared to the previous quarter.
The premium segment (priced between $600 and $800, roughly Rs. 70,100) achieved the most substantial growth at 96.4 percent, doubling its market share from two percent to four percent. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 collectively accounted for over 60 percent of sales in this category.
Additionally, the super-premium segment (priced above $800) grew by 15.8 percent, retaining a consistent seven percent market share. Samsung surpassed Apple as the leading brand in this category, securing 49 percent compared to Apple’s 48 percent. Key models included the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Galaxy S25.
In Q2 2025, shipments utilizing Qualcomm chips surged by 37.6 percent YoY, capturing a 33.9 percent market share. Conversely, MediaTek’s market share fell to 44.3 percent from 56.1 percent due to a 15.4 percent decline in shipments.
Offline channel shipments increased by 14.3 percent YoY in Q2 2025, raising their share to 53.6 percent. In contrast, online channel shipments remained stable during the quarter. Year-on-year, online market share dropped from 49.7 percent in Q2 2024 to 46.4 percent in Q2 2025, although it saw a quarter-over-quarter recovery from 41.9 percent in Q1 2025.
According to the report, the recent growth of offline channels has been propelled by brands adopting omnichannel strategies, which include enhanced store margins, in-store promotions, and price reductions. In response, online retailers launched summer sales featuring significant discounts on mid-range and premium devices.
Outlook for Indian Smartphone Shipments in H2 2025
The forecast for smartphone shipments in 2025 anticipates a slight decline triggered by rising prices and economic factors affecting demand, particularly for budget smartphones. This situation is contributing to a contraction in the affordable Android market, which is expected to decelerate overall growth, as noted in the report. Conversely, iPhone sales continue to show robust growth with double-digit YoY increases.
Additionally, the report indicated that an influx of new mid-range smartphone models has intensified competition, potentially leading to excess inventory heading into the festive season. In the latter half of 2025, brands and retailers are projected to concentrate on introducing new shipments rather than relying heavily on promotions to deplete older stock.
