Indian smartphone market rebounds in June quarter, iPhone 16 most-shipped device

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India’s smartphone market posted its best second quarter ever in value terms, propelled by a sharp rise in ultra-premium device sales and aggressive affordability programmes from Apple and Samsung.

In the April-June period, the market grew 18 percent in value and 8 percent in volume from the year-ago quarter, Counterpoint Research has said.

Apple’s iPhone 16 emerged as the most-shipped device in the quarter, driven by extended EMIs, retail promotions, and improved channel execution. Apple also recorded its best-ever Q2 shipments in India.

A flurry of new launches, wider offline expansion and improved macroeconomic conditions — from lower inflation to tax reliefs and repo rate cuts — further boosted consumer sentiment and spending, leading to a broad-based market recovery.

It was also the best second quarter in value terms for the Indian smartphone market, aided by a 33 percent surge in new device launches, bundled offers, and easy financing schemes introduced during summer sales.

“The market recovery was supported by an improved macroeconomic environment that lifted consumer sentiment and discretionary spending,” said Prachir Singh, senior research analyst at Counterpoint. “Lower inflation, a series of repo rate cuts, and tax relief measures gave consumers more headroom to upgrade.”

The ultra-premium segment (above Rs 45,000) was the fastest-growing price tier, rising 37 percent year-on-year. Apple and Samsung led the charge, offering no-cost EMIs, trade-in deals, and limited-time discounts to make flagship devices more affordable. The result was a record-high average selling price (ASP) for the market.

On the brand leaderboard, Chinese phonemaker Vivo (excluding iQOO) posted 23 percent annual growth, led by strong demand in the Rs 10,000–Rs 15,000 price band, especially for its Y and T series.

Samsung remained the second largest brand, with robust summer promotions and strong uptake of its A and S series models.

Oppo (excluding OnePlus) secured third place, powered by the refreshed A5 and K series. The Chinese brand’s offline momentum was supported by better retailer engagement and a more profitable channel strategy.

Nothing continued its blistering run, growing shipments 146 percent to remain the fastest-growing smartphone brand for the sixth straight quarter. The growth was fuelled by the launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro and a wider offline push.

Motorola’s shipments rose 86 percent on strong G and Edge series sales and deeper reach in smaller towns. In the sub-Rs 10,000 category, Lava led with 156 percent growth, helped by competitive pricing, a clean stock Android experience, and better after-sales service.

In the chipset space, MediaTek retained the top spot with a 47 percent share followed by Qualcomm at 31 percent. Qualcomm’s shipments grew 28 percent from the year-ago period.

OnePlus saw a 75 percent jump in shipments in the ultra-premium segment, led by the 13 and 13R series, with early momentum from its compact 13s model. The brand is rapidly expanding its premium lineup.

Realme entered the ultra-premium space with the GT 7 Pro Dream Edition, a co-branded flagship aimed at younger buyers. The brand is also building its offline presence to boost high-end sales.