India’s Premium Smartphone Market Booms in 2024
The Indian smartphone [[market]] is seeing exciting changes! A recent report shows the premium smartphone segment (Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000) exploded, growing a huge 36 percent in 2024. The super-premium market (Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh) also saw strong growth at 10 percent, and the uber-premium segment (over Rs. 1 lakh) jumped by an impressive 25 percent. This shows many Indians are buying top-of-the-line phones.
Apple’s Stunning Rise in India
Apple made a big splash. The iPhone maker was one of the top five brands, with sales rocketing by 72 percent in the final quarter of 2024! This is a massive success story and reflects growing popularity of Apple products among Indian consumers. It’s a huge win for the company.
Samsung and Vivo Lead the Pack
While Apple surged, Samsung remained a top player in the premium segment, holding a 28 percent market share. Vivo also performed well, grabbing a 15 percent share of the premium market. In the overall [[market]], Xiaomi (including Poco) took the top spot with an 18 percent share, beating out Samsung and Vivo. In the crucial 5G market during Q4 2024, Vivo led with 19 percent market share, narrowly edging out Samsung.
The Changing Landscape: Budget and Mid-Range Phones
The news isn’t all positive. The budget phone market (under Rs. 7,000) saw only a 1 percent rise. The mid-range market, sadly, fell by 7 percent. The shift towards premium phones is clear. The decline of 2G feature phones continued, with a sharp 22 percent drop year-on-year in 2024. This reflects India’s shift towards more advanced technology.
5G Dominance and Tech Innovations
Vivo’s success was driven by popular models like the Vivo T3x 5G, Vivo Y28s 5G, and Vivo T3 Lite 5G. Xiaomi also saw strong performance with its Redmi series, and Samsung maintained its position. The impact of new technology is undeniable, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips powering a third of all premium phones launched in 2024. MediaTek also made its mark, powering 52 percent of smartphones.
The Future of India’s Smartphone Market
Experts predict that the premium segment will keep growing in 2025. Companies are starting to focus more on [[AI]] features in phones to make them smarter and more useful. The Indian phone market is a dynamic space, with brands responding to consumer demands for both affordable and premium options. The integration of GenAI into midrange and high-end phones signifies a new era of smartphone technology in the country. The latest market analysis suggests single-digit growth in smartphone shipments for 2025.
Growth Drivers for the Future
The future of India’s smartphone [[market]] is bright. Demand for premium phones will continue to drive growth. Companies are shifting their focus to [[AI]]-powered features, and this could further boost the industry. But even as premium phones soar, phone companies must keep making affordable and value-for-money phones for everyone to stay competitive in the dynamic market. The focus on innovation and balancing premium and budget-friendly offerings will be vital for success in the years to come.
