India’s smartphone market rebounds in Q2 2025, Vivo takes the top spot

Smartphones

India’s smartphone market bounced back in Q2 2025, with shipments growing 7% year-on-year to reach 39 million units, according to Canalys (now part of Omdia). The recovery was driven by easing inventory pressures and a wave of fresh product launches after a muted Q1. However, the rebound came despite headwinds like extreme heat, global tariff tensions, and geopolitical uncertainty.

According to Canalys, Vivo led the market with 8.1 million units and a 21% share, thanks to strong channel partnerships and successful retail campaigns for its V50, Y-series, and T-series devices. Samsung took second place with 6.2 million units, leaning on its EMI-led mid-premium strategy for models like the A36 and A56, according to Canalys data.

Oppo edged ahead of Xiaomi with 5 million units, buoyed by offline momentum for the A5 and rising online sales of the K13. Xiaomi matched Oppo’s volume but saw a year-on-year decline. It relied on the Redmi 14C 5G and refreshed Note 14 series to maintain visibility, as per the report.

The real story, however, lies beyond the top five. Apple ranked sixth, with the iPhone 16 series accounting for over 55% of its shipments. But its “affordable” sibling, the iPhone 16e, failed to impress, with buyers turned off by its single-camera setup and underwhelming Apple Intelligence features.

Motorola, Infinix, and Nothing showed notable gains. Nothing, in particular, surged 229% year-on-year on the back of design-driven success with its CMF Phone 2 Pro and Phone 3a series.

Canalys, however warns that the second half of 2025 will depend less on launches and more on channel execution, festival promotions, and aggressive financing. Despite Q2’s rebound, full-year shipments are projected to decline slightly amid persistent structural demand challenges.