5G smartphones capture 87% of second-quarter shipments in India

• Rs10,000-Rs13,000 segment witness a 138% year-on-year increase.
• Apple recorded remarkable strength in the premium segment—its share among phones priced above Rs50,000 shot up by 54% year-on-year, thanks in part to the strong performance of the iPhone 16 series and particularly the iPhone 16e.

The Indian smartphone market is experiencing a massive transformation, with 5G devices firmly taking center stage.

Data from CyberMedia Research (CMR) India shows that, between April and June 2025, 5G smartphones made up an impressive 87 per cent of total shipments, surging 20 per cent year-on-year. The rapid acceleration highlights how 5G is no longer an exclusive feature—it’s now the new normal for most Indian consumers.

What’s catching everyone’s attention is the explosive growth at the budget end of the market. 5G smartphones priced between Rs8,000 and Rs10,000 have seen a jaw-dropping 600 per cent growth over the past year.

This signals a dramatic shift toward making next-generation tech accessible to millions. The Rs10,000-Rs13,000 segment wasn’t far behind, witnessing a hefty 138 per cent year-on-year increase.

Market registers 8% growth

Clearly, affordable 5G is now powering the market, with first-time smartphone upgraders fueling much of this demand.

Overall, the Indian smartphone market registered an 8 per cent annual growth for the quarter, driven by the widespread rollout of affordable 5G models, robust retail activity, and a strategic wave of new product launches aimed at different price points.

When it comes to brand power, the landscape is shifting too. Vivo led the pack in Q2 2025, capturing a dominant 19 per cent share. Samsung followed in second place at 16 per cent. Apple, meanwhile, flexed its muscles with solid double-digit growth, now holding a 7 per cent slice of the overall market.

Notably, Apple recorded remarkable strength in the premium segment—its share among phones priced above Rs50,000 shot up by 54 per cent year-on-year, thanks in part to the strong performance of the iPhone 16 series and particularly the iPhone 16e.

Looking ahead, CMR forecasts that 2025 will bring moderate, single-digit growth for total smartphone shipments. The back half of the year is expected to be especially dynamic, as brands line up high-profile launches to coincide with India’s festive sales season. Expect a flurry of activity as companies court buyers eager for upgrades and new flagship models.

On the innovation front, there’s plenty of buzz around artificial intelligence capabilities being built into newer models.

However, CMR’s analysts point out that, despite rising awareness, AI hasn’t yet become a main reason for people to buy a new phone. Instead, Indian consumers remain focused on core essentials: long-lasting battery life, excellent camera quality, and reliable day-to-day performance.