Chinese smartphone brands’ India share hits multi‑year low

Chinese handset vendors ceded more ground in India in the April–June 2026 quarter, as the country’s smartphone market recorded its steepest June‑quarter decline in six years. Industry estimates show overall shipments falling around 10 percent year‑on‑year, with demand in the mass‑market segment hit by repeated price hikes and weaker consumer spending.

The correction was most acute in the sub‑₹15,000 bracket, where volumes shrank sharply and Chinese brands have traditionally dominated. As buyers delayed replacements or stretched device lifecycles, the combined share of leading Chinese manufacturers is understood to have fallen to its lowest level since before the pandemic.

Among major players, Vivo held on to the top spot but saw shipment pressure across its budget and mid‑range line‑ups. Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme and other Chinese labels also reported lower volumes, in line with the broader slowdown at the affordable end of the market. By contrast, non‑Chinese rivals such as Samsung managed to post modest growth, supported by sustained traction for its Galaxy A series and steady demand for premium devices.

Analysts attribute the downturn to higher component and memory costs feeding through to retail prices, eroding the value appeal of entry‑level smartphones. With price‑sensitive buyers showing clear resistance to further hikes, they expect shipment constraints for Chinese brands to persist unless manufacturers recalibrate portfolios or absorb more of the cost burden.
CT Bureau