Chinese smartphone companies in India suffer a major setback, with sales plummeting for the first time in 10 years.

New Delhi: Chinese smartphone companies have suffered a major setback in India. For the first time in nearly a decade, these brands have seen a decline in revenue and market share. Sales of major names like Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme, and OnePlus have weakened in India. According to reports, these companies will see negative revenue growth through 2025, despite a steady upward trend over the past several years. Data shows that Chinese companies’ share of the Indian smartphone market, which was approximately 54 percent in 2023, has now dropped to around 48 percent.

Why is the Chinese smartphone market declining in India?
This means that one in every two phones is no longer a Chinese brand. This change hasn’t come suddenly. Over the past two years, Indian consumers have been gradually shifting toward premium phones with brand value. Sales of brands like Apple and Samsung have increased, especially in the segment above ₹30,000. A major reason for this decline is believed to be the significantly reduced margins in the entry-level and mid-range segments. While Chinese companies previously attracted a large number of users by selling affordable phones, competition in the same segment has now become increasingly intense.

Apple and Samsung’s Dominance
Indian brands and established international players are also offering aggressive offers. The government’s Make in India policy and emphasis on local manufacturing are also having an impact on the market. Another major reason is the increasing demand for premium phones. More people in India now want phones with 5G, better cameras, and longer software support. Apple and Samsung have a strong hold in this segment.

Focus on Premium Smartphones
Companies like Xiaomi and Oppo have launched premium phones, but they have yet to gain the brand trust that older players have. OnePlus is a name in the premium segment, but its overall sales have suffered. Industry experts say this is a warning for Chinese companies. If they continue to focus solely on low-cost phones, their future challenges will only increase. They will now have to invest more in India, expand local manufacturing, and build a reliable image in the premium segment. They will also need to focus on after-sales service and software updates, as Indian consumers are now buying phones based on the overall experience, not just the price.

Chinese companies’ supply chains remain strong.
However, experts also say that Chinese companies will not be easily eliminated. They have a large network, a strong supply chain, and already have millions of users in India. In the coming months, these companies will try to make a comeback with new strategies. But for now, the picture is clear. India’s smartphone market is changing, and Chinese brands will have to adapt their tactics, or their grip may weaken further.