India's Smartphone Market Surges 7% in Q3 2025
India's smartphone market is witnessing remarkable growth, with a 7% increase in the third quarter of 2025. This surge is largely attributed to the festive season and the rapid adoption of 5G technology. According to a recent report by CyberMedia Research (CMR), 5G smartphones now account for an impressive 89% of total shipments, showing a significant rise of 16% year-on-year (YoY). Notably, the budget segment has made waves, with 5G phones priced between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 experiencing a staggering 1600% growth.
The report emphasizes that the democratization of 5G connectivity, particularly in the affordable segment, is reshaping consumer upgrade trends. Menka Kumari, a Senior Analyst at CMR, noted that aggressive promotional offers and easy EMI options have boosted sales across both urban and rural areas of India. This trend suggests that 5G is becoming accessible for all, leading to a shift in how consumers view smartphones.
Vivo has emerged as a leader in the smartphone market, commanding an 18% share. The company's Y and T series models have contributed significantly to its 5G shipments. Samsung follows closely with a 15% share, while OPPO and Xiaomi have captured 13% each. Interestingly, Apple has entered the top five smartphone brands in India for the first time, holding a 9% share, primarily driven by demand for older models like the iPhone 15 and 16.
In terms of market value, Apple leads with a substantial 30% share, indicating the growing consumer appetite for premium and ultra-premium devices. The segment priced above ₹50,000 saw a remarkable 45% YoY growth, while those above ₹1 lakh skyrocketed by 280%. Samsung's ultra-premium offerings, particularly the Galaxy S and Z series, contributed to its impressive 151% YoY growth in this category.
Despite some brands struggling, such as Xiaomi with an 18% YoY decline, others like Motorola have thrived, boasting a 57% YoY increase due to strong 5G offerings. Additionally, Indian brand Lava recorded a remarkable 114% growth in the sub-₹10,000 5G category, showcasing the potential of local players in this competitive market.
As feature phones continue to decline, with shipments down 14% YoY, the shift towards smartphones is evident. CMR anticipates steady single-digit growth for India's smartphone market in 2025, supported by ongoing 5G upgrades and the rising trend of premiumization. Analysts predict that festive and year-end sales will further accelerate shipments, particularly for premium models from Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus.
