India’s smartphone market painted a picture of premiumization in 2025, with value surging 8% year-over-year despite a modest 1% volume growth. This shift underscores a clear consumer trend: Indians are splurging on high-end devices.
According to detailed market analysis, one in every five smartphones shipped in India last year belonged to the premium segment. Apple dominated the value share at an impressive 28%, marking its strongest performance yet. The iPhone 16 emerged as the top-shipped model, fueling this leadership.
Vivo clinched the volume lead with 20% share, excluding iQOO, while Samsung secured second place by balancing mass-market and premium offerings. Its Galaxy S series hit record shipment proportions within the company’s portfolio, riding the premium wave.
Motorola stole the spotlight as the fastest-growing brand by volume, boasting 54% annual growth. CMF, a sub-brand, outpaced all with an 83% surge, signaling vibrant competition.
Tarun Pathak, research director at the firm, attributed this to India’s stable economy, controlled inflation, and repo rate cuts that eased consumer spending. Brands capitalized with enhanced portfolios, spotlighting superior cameras—especially portrait modes—and flagship features, bolstered by flexible financing.
The year started sluggishly with excess inventory and few launches, but Q2 onward saw a boom from new releases, festive deals, and promotions, culminating in record Q3 value shipments.
Premium phones above ₹30,000 grew fastest at 11% YoY, claiming 22% of total shipments—the highest ever. This evolution positions India as a global premium market powerhouse, with brands jockeying for position in 2026.