In the first quarter of 2026, India's smartphone market saw a 3% decrease in shipments compared to the previous year, reaching its lowest point in six years. This decline is attributed to rising costs and softening demand, as reported by Counterpoint Research.
Over 80 smartphone models experienced average price increases of approximately 15%, with further hikes of 15% to 20% anticipated in the upcoming quarter. This trend has created an affordability challenge for consumers, pushing manufacturers to adjust prices significantly.
Market Dynamics: Senior analyst Prachir Singh highlighted that the smartphone market is facing a notable affordability squeeze due to memory-related cost inflation and currency fluctuations. As a result, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are compelled to raise prices across several key models.
Looking ahead, research director Tarun Pathak indicated that the market will likely continue to face pressures, with expectations of a double-digit decline in Q2 2026.
Market Leaders:
- Vivo: Maintained the largest market share at 21%.
- Samsung: Followed closely behind Vivo.
- Oppo: Also ranked among the top three.
- Apple: Captured a 9% share, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 series.
Emerging Trends: Google has emerged as the fastest-growing premium brand, with a 39% year-on-year increase in shipments, largely attributed to its innovative AI-driven features.
