According to Counterpoint Research, India's smartphone market saw a shift toward premium models in 2025. While overall shipments only grew by 1%, the value of shipped smartphones increased by 8%. Remarkably, premium phones (priced above ₹30,000) accounted for 22% of all units shipped, indicating a growing consumer preference for high-end devices.

This trend benefited brands like Apple, whose iPhone 16 was the best-selling individual model. Vivo led the market by volume, with the X-series seeing substantial growth. Samsung remained a key player, especially in the foldable market, with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 proving popular. MediaTek chipsets powered nearly half of the smartphones shipped.

Oppo secured the third position in the market. The report also highlights that 47% of smartphones shipped in India featured a MediaTek chipset, showcasing its strong presence in the market. Counterpoint projects a possible small decline in 2026 due to rising component costs, particularly affecting the sub-₹15,000 segment.

The shift towards premium smartphones reflects India's evolving consumer behavior. As the market matures, consumers are increasingly willing to spend more on devices with advanced features and capabilities. This trend is likely to continue, influencing the strategies of major smartphone manufacturers and impacting the overall market dynamics in the coming years.