India smartphone market splits: premium up 25%, affordable down 46% in weakest quarter in years
Q1 2026 India shipments fell 2-5% as DRAM/NAND price spikes squeezed entry-level demand. Premium tier surged 25% on flagship launches from Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi. Apple hit 9% share with iPhone 16 series driving 53% of its volumes; OnePlus 15/15R delivered 48% of OnePlus sales.
India smartphone market saw weakest quarter in years in Q1 2026, with affordable shipments down 46% and premium up 25%. DRAM/NAND price spikes pressured pricing; Apple hit 9% share, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi gained on flagship launches.