Chinese smartphone makers see market share slip in India amid rising chip costs
Chinese phone brands' share of India's market fell to around two-thirds, driven by higher memory prices and cost-cutting measures.
Chinese smartphone brands have lost ground in India, with Omdia estimating their market share at about 68% in the most recent quarter, down from 71% in the previous three months and 75% a year earlier. Counterpoint Research records a comparable dip, linking the trend to manufacturers' efforts to cut specifications and limit low-cost offerings as memory prices surge. Overall smartphone shipments in India fell between 20% and 26% year-on-year during the July-September quarter, reaching a ten-year low of 35.8 million units.
Domestic players such as Ai+, Mivi and Boltt have seen modest growth, but scaling beyond 500,000 units per quarter would require stronger distribution and service networks. Analysts stress that Indian brands need to invest in research, quality and localized supply chains to retain customers beyond initial purchases.
Why it matters
The shift signals growing challenges for Chinese tech firms in India's large market and opens space for local manufacturers.
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