Affordable 5G Phones Boost India’s Smartphone Market: Who Leads and Who’s Falling Behind?

The Indian smartphone market is riding a new wave of growth in 2025, and the engine driving this change is clear: affordable 5G phones. With prices plunging below ₹10,000 for feature-rich 5G devices, millions of Indians are upgrading and connecting at next-gen speeds, reshaping the competitive landscape like never before.

The Rise of Affordable 5G Phones

In Q2 2025, 5G smartphones captured a staggering 87% of total device shipments in India, with truly “affordable” 5G models priced between ₹8,000–₹10,000 witnessing more than 600% year-on-year growth—a jaw-dropping figure that highlights a massive shift among first-time upgraders and budget-conscious buyers.

Affordable 5G

Brands such as Vivo, Samsung, OPPO, Redmi, Infinix, and Lava have unleashed a flurry of value-packed models to satiate this demand, offering impressive cameras, reliable batteries, and snappy performance even at wallet-friendly price points.

Why are these phones so popular?

• Wider 5G coverage: Network expansion is making 5G accessible in more cities and towns every month.

• Falling prices: Cutthroat competition and local manufacturing have slashed costs.

• Attractive finance: Easy EMIs and festive discounts are bringing high-tech devices within reach for most Indian consumers.

Who’s Leading the Market?

Market Leaders

• Vivo: Captures the crown in shipment volume and 5G share, holding around 19–21% of the Indian smartphone market in Q2 2025.

• Samsung: Takes a strong second place in both volume and value—well known for reliable phones and effective EMI offers, capturing roughly 16% market share.

• OPPO & Xiaomi: Each commands a significant piece, with about 13% market share, benefiting from design focus and online promotions.

• Apple: Riding the premium wave, Apple shot up to a record 7% market share, dominating the super-premium segment above ₹50,000. Its iPhone 16 lineup was 2025’s most-shipped device.

Fast Risers & Innovators

• Infinix: Notable surge among budget buyers and gamers, thanks to stylish design and smart influencer campaigns.

• Nothing: Explosive year-on-year growth of 229%, fueled by its distinctive design and success among young urbanites.

Top Budget 5G Phones in 2025

• Samsung M16 5G

• Realme Narzo 80 Lite

• Infinix Note 50s 5G+

• Iqoo Z10x

• Lava Blaze X

Each of these models is lauded for best-in-class balance between price, performance, and future-ready features, catering to students, first-time smartphone consumers, and even casual gamers.

Who’s Falling Behind?

• Feature Phones: Shipments plunged by 18% YoY, as entry-level users finally migrated to affordable smartphones.

• Smaller and legacy brands: Amid fierce competition, brands without strong local strategies or retail presence (older legacy brands, certain Chinese or global challengers) are losing out.

• Premium “one-trick ponies”: Some high-priced devices, especially those lacking in features or value (like Apple’s iPhone 16e, criticized for limited innovation), are seeing reduced demand and mixed reviews.

The Market Shift: What Does the Data Say?

• India’s smartphone market grew 8% YoY in volume and a stunning 18% in value in Q2 2025—its best-ever Q2 in value terms, underpinned by new launches, discounts, and increased consumer spending power.

• 5G’s share of shipments leapt from 67% in 2024 to 87% in Q2 2025.

• The ultra-premium segment (>₹45,000) grew the fastest (37% YoY), but the real volume growth came from 5G models under ₹10,000.

Why Are Some Brands Winning?

• Aggressive Channel Push: Leaders like Vivo and Samsung have expanded their retail alliances, offering channel incentives and eye-catching in-store marketing.

• Product Innovation: Design-led features and gaming focus (seen with Infinix, Nothing) are winning younger, urban audiences.

• Affordability: Brands offering longer-tenure EMIs, no-cost financing, and trade-in deals are growing faster, especially in the ultra-competitive festive seasons.

What’s Next?

As the festive season approaches, most analysts expect another wave of upgrades and new affordable 5G launches. The market will favor brands who combine stylish design, accessible pricing, smooth 5G performance, and widespread after-sales support.

Takeaway

2025 is the year when 5G truly becomes mainstream in India—not just in metros, but across Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. While Vivo and Samsung dominate the current landscape, the big picture is all about choice, competition, and breakneck innovation. For Indian consumers, the 5G revolution has only just begun