What has changed drastically in the Indian smartphone market, once driven essentially by budget-friendly devices, is the shifting of momentum towards the mid-range segment. According to Anish Kapoor, CEO of Infinix India, the segment comprising devices between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000 has become the dominant force with a share of more than 40 percent of the total market. Growth has been triggered by many factors, including the rising pace of 5G adoption, changing consumer behavior, and aggressive price strategies by various smartphone players.
For years, the sub-Rs 10,000 segment held sway over the Indian smartphone market. This was largely because of the price sensitivity of most Indian consumers. However, with the increasing disposable incomes and the growth in the middle class, consumers are now willing to spend more on their smartphones by demanding a better user experience. The trend has accelerated even further with 5G technology, as most people feel it will be an appreciable upgrade to use faster internet.
The smartphone manufacturers did not waste any time in using this chance at the growing demand for mid-range devices. Brands such as Infinix, Realme, Xiaomi, and Samsung expanded their offerings across this price segment, touting impressive specifications like high-resolution displays, powerful processors, advanced camera systems, and long-lasting batteries. Equipped with this, which was earlier considered a preserve of premium flagships, things are now brought within the reach of a much larger audience; demand for mid-range smartphones has surged.
It is true in the mid-range segment as well, where competitive heat has taken price points to more radical levels, accompanied by some innovative features. In such a scenario, the brands are making themselves seen as better value for money, persuading customers to upgrade to the latest devices. This kind of competition has swept rapid upgrades in smartphone technology even at the mid-level range.
Though the mid-segment has seen huge growth, the sub-Rs 10,000 category remains a critical area for first-time smartphone buyers and those who have budget constraints. Its share has, however, come down over time as users started going more towards better performance and features.
The dominance of mid-range smartphones is likely to continue in the next few years, and with the Indian smartphone market reaching maturity, consumer preference is changing. With 5G networks becoming pervasive and more affordable shortly, demand for 5G-enabled devices will rise, which in turn will spur the sales of mid-range smartphones. Additionally, innovation and competitive pricing being worked on by smartphone manufacturers continuously will add up to the perpetual growth of this segment.
In a nutshell, the Indian smartphone space is changing into a new paradigm, wherein mid-range devices are the new kings. The rising disposable incomes, the glamour of 5G technology, and simply fierce competition among brands have lent an almost unstoppable momentum to this segment. The mid-range category shall be at the forefront of changing the dynamics of the Indian smartphone industry in times to come when the market gets even more challenging.