The Indian smartphone market saw big changes in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. Brand rankings shifted, 5G adoption grew, and emerging brands made an impact. Though shipments grew slightly, revenue increased significantly, showing a shift toward premium devices.
Indian Smartphone Market in 2024: vivo Becomes the Market Leader
For the first time, vivo took the top spot in India, with a 19% market share. The brand’s strong offline presence and support from sub-brand iQOO helped its rise. Xiaomi followed with 17%, surpassing Samsung, which dropped to third place.
Samsung’s decline resulted from a change in focus. The company prioritized its Galaxy S series, reducing its budget-friendly models. This shift allowed competitors to strengthen their positions in lower price segments.
Market Growth and 5G Expansion
In 2024, smartphone shipments in India increased by just 1%, reaching 153 million units. However, wholesale revenue grew by 9%, indicating a higher demand for premium devices.
5G adoption played a key role in this growth. About 78% of all smartphones shipped in 2024 supported 5G. This means nearly three out of four smartphones sold were 5G-enabled. The transition was driven by better network infrastructure and rising consumer demand for faster connectivity.
Apple Leads in Market Value
Apple remained the top brand in the premium segment. The iPhone 15 was the most-shipped device in Q4 2024, solidifying Apple’s leadership. The brand continues to attract Indian consumers who seek high performance and an exclusive ecosystem.
Nothing: The Fastest-Growing Brand
Also, a major highlight of 2024 was the rapid rise of Nothing. The brand saw a stunning 577% growth, driven by the success of the Nothing Phone (2a) and the launch of its CMF sub-brand. This growth reflects a demand for fresh, unique designs in a market dominated by well-known brands.
MediaTek Outperforms Qualcomm
Chipset competition also saw a shift. MediaTek took a record 52% market share, while Qualcomm followed with 25%. MediaTek’s success came from powering budget and mid-range smartphones, which remain popular in India.
Conclusion
The Indian smartphone market in 2024 underwent major changes. vivo became the top brand, while Samsung’s shift in focus led to a drop in sales. Apple held its premium market lead, and Nothing emerged as a key challenger. 5G adoption surged, and MediaTek took the lead in chipsets. As competition intensifies, brands will continue to fight for dominance in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
