iPhone 16 Becomes India’s Best-Selling Smartphone, Yet Vivo Retains the Overall Market Crown

India’s smartphone market is once again showing robust activity in 2025, with major brands such as Vivo, Samsung, and Apple dominating sales charts; the second quarter of the year witnessed a notable rebound in shipments, driven by a combination of popular flagship devices, competitively priced mid-range offerings, and aggressive retail promotions. However, analysts are quick to warn that the upward momentum could face headwinds in the latter part of the year due to steadily rising handset prices.

iPhone 16 Emerges as India’s Single Best-Selling Model

Apple has delivered a standout performance in the first half of 2025, shipping an impressive 5.9 million units across the country, which marks a substantial year-over-year growth of 21.5%; at the heart of this success story is the iPhone 16, which single-handedly captured 4% of total smartphone shipments in the first six months and stands as the nation’s most sought-after individual model, appealing to both tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance and status-conscious buyers looking for a premium device.

Vivo Maintains Lead, Samsung Closes the Gap

Despite Apple’s exceptional run, Xiaomi’s Redmi A4 and A5 has managed to retain its overall leadership position for the sixth consecutive quarter by strategically balancing a portfolio that caters to diverse price brackets while maintaining strong visibility in both online and offline sales channels; Samsung, meanwhile, secured the second spot, registering an impressive 21% growth rate, largely due to the sustained popularity of its Galaxy A, M, and F series models, many of which are now equipped with AI-driven functionalities that enhance both camera performance and overall user experience; Oppo followed in third place, benefiting from the strong reception of affordable models such as the K13 and A5x, alongside a reinforced commitment to after-sales service that continues to bolster consumer trust.

Segment-Wise Performance: From Budget-Friendly to Ultra-Premium

The entry-level category, defined by devices priced under ₹8,300, saw a remarkable 22.9% surge in shipments, with Xiaomi’s Redmi A4 and A5 emerging as clear leaders among cost-conscious buyers; at the premium tier, spanning ₹50,000 to ₹66,500, shipments nearly doubled thanks to the exceptional demand for the iPhone 16 and its predecessor, the iPhone 15, which together accounted for a significant portion of this growth; in the ultra-premium segment above ₹66,500, Samsung pulled ahead of Apple, riding high on the popularity of its Galaxy S25 and S24 Ultra models, both of which attracted consumers seeking advanced camera capabilities, cutting-edge display technology, and extended software support.

Offline Sales Surpass Online as Physical Retail Gains Ground

While online sales channels remained stagnant compared to last year, offline sales experienced a healthy 14.3% growth and now account for more than half of all smartphone shipments nationwide; this expansion has been fueled by enhanced retailer incentives, in-store marketing campaigns, and tactical price cuts, all of which have succeeded in drawing consumers back to physical stores where they can experience devices first-hand before making a purchase decision.

Looking ahead, IDC forecasts a potential slowdown in total smartphone shipments for 2025 as economic pressures and higher pricing may deter budget-conscious buyers; however, the sustained appetite for premium and ultra-premium devices — especially Apple’s iPhone series — suggests that the high-end market will remain resilient, with brand loyalty, aspirational value, and technological innovation continuing to drive consumer preferences.

Buy the iPhone 16 here.

Buy the Redmi A5 here.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra here.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra here.

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