iPhone 16 tops shipments, Nothing fastest-growing brand in India: Report

India Today

21 hours ago

Apple's iPhone 16 was the most-shipped smartphone in India during Q2 2025, highlighting the growing interest for premium devices among Indian buyers. According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, India's smartphone market recorded an 8 per cent year-on-year growth in shipments, and a much sharper 18 per cent rise in overall value. That means not only are more phones being sold, but people are spending more on them too. This value growth came on the back of strong demand for premium and ultra-premium models, with brands offering attractive deals, financing options, and limited-time sales to attract customers.advertisementThe top spot in shipment volume went to Vivo, which increased its share to 20 per cent in Q2 2025, up from 17 per cent the year before. Samsung followed closely with 16 per cent, while OPPO took third place with 13 per cent, helped by its revamped A5 and K series. Xiaomi's share dropped to 8 per cent, while Realme held 10 per cent of the market. Interestingly, Nothing was the fastest-growing brand for the sixth straight quarter, with 146 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth, driven by the new CMF Phone 2 Pro and aggressive offline expansion.OnePlus saw solid gains in the ultra-premium space, with the company's 13 and 13R leading the charge and helping the brand grow 75 per cent YoY in that segment. It also managed to grow its share in value, even though its market share dropped slightly to 2 per cent in volume. Realme is also eyeing the high-end category, launching the GT series 7 Pro Dream Edition, targeted at younger buyers looking for flagship specs.
The report points out that India's smartphone industry benefitted from better economic conditions — lower inflation and increased disposable income. Retail activity was also strong, with brands like Vivo, Samsung, and Apple offering better EMI plans, exchange offers, and bundled deals. The ultra-premium segment (Rs 45,000 and above) grew by 37 per cent YoY, the fastest among all price categories, with Apple and Samsung leading the push.Chipset shipments also reflected a healthy market. MediaTek led with a 47 per cent share, followed by Qualcomm at 31 per cent, which also grew its smartphone shipments by 28 per cent in the same quarter.Among other notable performers, Motorola grew shipments by 86 per cent YoY, riding high on demand for its G and Edge series and pushing deeper into smaller cities. Lava, meanwhile, was the fastest-growing brand in the sub-Rs 10,000 price segment with 156 per cent YoY growth.- Ends