New Delhi, February 9: In 2025, India witnessed a staggering 1900% 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 the demand for premium smartphones remained stable. The most notable change occurred in the price segment of ₹6,000 to ₹8,000.
The report indicated that 5G phones accounted for 88% of total smartphone shipments, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This clearly demonstrates that 5G is no longer limited to high-end devices but has become a market necessity.
Apple recorded a 25% year-on-year growth in India, increasing its market share to 9%. The base model of the iPhone 16 series captured 47% of sales, indicating a preference 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 the Indian smartphone market, but rather a year of rebalancing. Although there was a slight dip in overall sales, the rapid growth of affordable 5G phones, stable demand for high-end devices, and the emergence of new brands show that the market is not weakening but evolving.”
In 2025, smartphones with displays of 6.7 inches or larger accounted for nearly 80% of sales, highlighting a consumer preference for larger screens.
The report also revealed that MediaTek led the Indian smartphone chipset market with a 45% share, while Qualcomm maintained a 34% share in the premium smartphone segment.
Pankaj Jadli, an analyst in CMR’s Industry Intelligence Group, noted that rising component and memory costs in 2026 will continue to pressure smartphone prices. As a result, consumer purchasing behavior is expected to be more cautious and selective throughout the year.
He explained that consumers have not shied away from the smartphone market; instead, they have become more discerning. People are using their current phones for longer periods and are upgrading only when they see significant value in new devices.