New Delhi, February 9: In 2025, India experienced a staggering 1,900% year-on-year increase in shipments of affordable 5G smartphones. This surge is attributed to aggressive pricing, improved availability of entry-level 5G chipsets, and the rapid expansion of 5G networks across the country.
According to a report by CyberMedia Research (CMR), the Indian smartphone market underwent a significant transformation in 2025. During this period, there was a remarkable rise in the sales of budget 5G phones, while demand for premium smartphones remained steady. The most notable change occurred in the segment of phones priced between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000.
The report indicated that 5G phones accounted for 88% of total smartphone shipments, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. This clearly shows that 5G is no longer limited to high-end devices but has become a market necessity.
Apple recorded a 25% annual growth in India, raising its market share to 9%. The base model of the iPhone 16 series captured 47% of sales, indicating a preference among consumers for more affordable models over the Pro or Plus variants.
Menka Kumari, Senior Analyst at CMR, stated, “2025 was not a year of decline for India’s smartphone market, but rather a year of rebalancing. Although there was a slight dip in overall sales, the rapid growth of affordable 5G phones, steady demand for high-end devices, and the emergence of new brands indicate that the market is not weakening but evolving.”
In 2025, smartphones with displays of 6.7 inches or larger made up nearly 80% of the market, showing a clear consumer preference for larger screens.
The report also highlighted that MediaTek led India’s smartphone chipset market with a 45% share, while Qualcomm maintained a 34% share in the premium smartphone segment.
Pankaj Jadli, an analyst from CMR’s Industry Intelligence Group, noted that rising component and memory costs will continue to pressure smartphone prices in 2026. This will likely lead consumers to adopt a more cautious and selective purchasing behavior throughout the year.
He explained that consumers have not turned away from the smartphone market; rather, they have become more discerning. Many are holding onto their current devices longer and only upgrading when they perceive significant value in new offerings.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment