According to the International Data Corporation ’s (IDC) latest report, Indian smartphone market grew for the fifth consecutive quarter. In third quarter (Q3) of financial year 2024-2025 (FY25), smartphone shipments in India reached 46 million units, reflecting 5.6 per cent growth year-on-year (YoY).
Smartphone average selling price (ASPs) grew 0.9 per cent YoY and 3.8 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), at $ 258. The entry-premium ($ 200 < $ 400) segment registered a strong growth of 42 per cent YoY, at 28 per cent share, up from 21 per cent a year ago. OPPO was the biggest gainer, while the share of Samsung and vivo declined, all three together making up 53 per cent of this segment. The premium segment ($ 600 < $ 800) registered the highest growth of 86 per cent, at four per cent share, up from two per cent a year ago. Key models were iPhone 15/13/14, Galaxy S23, and OnePlus 12. Apple’s share increased YoY to 71 per cent, while Samsung’s share dropped to 19 per cent, from 30 per cent a year ago.
As per the report, 38 million 5G smartphones were shipped in the quarter. The share of 5G smartphone shipments increased to 83 per cent, up from 57 per cent in Q3 FY24, while 5G smartphone ASPs declined by 20 per cent YoY to $ 292. Within 5G, shipments of the mass budget ($ 100 < $ 200) segment almost doubled, reaching 50 per cent share. Xiaomi Redmi 13C, Apple iPhone 15, OPPO K12x, vivo T3x and Y28, were the highest-shipped 5G models in Q3 FY25.
Further, shipments to online channels grew by eight per cent YoY and its share increased to 51 per cent in Q3 FY25 from 50 per cent in Q3 FY24. Apple emerged as the second largest player in online channel, with iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 as the highest-shipped devices. Shipments to offline channel also increased by three per cent YoY in Q3 FY25, with brands extending the attractive channel schemes and offers to both channels.
Overall, vivo continued to lead for third consecutive quarter, with affordable Y series and newly launched T3 and V40 series. OPPO registered highest growth amongst the top five brands led by affordable new launches like A3x/K12x and Reno 12 series. Nothing registered the highest growth overall, followed by Motorola and iQOO.
Furthermore, Apple had its biggest quarter of shipments, with four million units, led by iPhone 15 and iPhone 13. This further widened the gap between the value share of Apple and Samsung, which stood at 28.7 per cent and 15.2 per cent, respectively.
Commenting on the report, Upasana Joshi, senior research manager, devices research, IDC Asia Pacific, “Growth in the biggest quarter of the year was fuelled by attractive discounts, multiple financing options, extended device warranty and cashback/bank offers across both online/offline channels. The launch of several new 5G smartphones also drove demand. One of the biggest draws during the eTailer sales was the attractive discounts on last year’s flagship models from Apple and Samsung.”
Meanwhile, Navkendar Singh, assistant vice president (AVP), devices research, IDC, said, “Cyclical dip in demand after the festive period and high shipments in Q3 FY25 will result in higher stock levels across channels in Q4 FY25. Thus, India’s smartphone market is expected to exit 2024 with a low single-digit annual growth. For the market to see high growth in 2025, it needs strong momentum in mass and entry-premium segments ($ 100 < $ 400). We should also expect more affordable offerings and high decibel marketing around generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) features on smartphones in 2025.”
