India smartphone shipments fall to six-year low in Q1

Friday 17 April 2026 - 09:00

India’s smartphone market recorded its weakest first-quarter performance in six years, as rising costs and higher retail prices dampened consumer demand, according to recent industry analysis.

Shipments declined by around 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting mounting pressure on affordability. Analysts point to a combination of global component inflation, currency fluctuations, and increased production costs as key factors driving up device prices.

More than 80 smartphone models saw average price increases of approximately 15% during the period. Industry experts expect further hikes of between 15% and 20% in the second quarter, which could deepen the slowdown.

“The market is experiencing a clear affordability squeeze,” said Prachir Singh, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. He noted that rising memory costs and currency pressures have forced manufacturers to pass on higher costs to consumers.

The outlook for the near term remains cautious. Tarun Pathak, research director at the same firm, warned that the second quarter of 2026 could see a double-digit decline in shipments if current conditions persist.

Despite the downturn, competition among major brands remains strong. Vivo led the market with a 21% share, followed by Samsung and Oppo.

Meanwhile, Apple increased its market share to 9%, supported by sustained demand for its latest iPhone 17 lineup. Google emerged as the fastest-growing premium brand, with shipments rising 39% year-on-year, driven largely by artificial intelligence-powered features.

Overall, the Indian smartphone sector is entering a challenging phase, as manufacturers balance innovation with pricing strategies in a market increasingly sensitive to cost.