AI-generated image for representation purpose

Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus and Realme are among the nine largest Chinese electronics companies that have reported a fall in India sales for the first time in nearly a decade. According to regulatory filings analysed by Economic Times, this comes as demand shifts from entry and mid-level smartphones to premium devices. The analysis reveals that the combined revenue of the nine largest Chinese electronics companies declined by 4.5% in the country during the financial year 2025. This highlights a sharp decline from the record 42% growth in the previous fiscal. On the contrary, the premium smartphone segment – priced above Rs 45,000, has grown significantly with retail value share increasing from 36% in 2023 to 47% in 2025. This shift has benefited Apple and Samsung. Apple’s India sales rose 18% to Rs 79,378 crore in FY25, while Samsung’s revenue grew 12% to Rs 1.11 lakh crore.

Shift towards premium phones

Market data by Counterpoint Research shows that the value share of smartphones priced below Rs 20,000 has dropped from 38% two years ago to 29% in 2025. “This has impacted Chinese brands in the most competitive price segment,” Tarun Pathak, director of research at market intelligence firm Counterpoint Research said as quoted by ET.Data shows that the retail value share of Chinese smartphone brands, including Vivo and Lenovo-owned Motorola, fell from 54% in 2023 to 48% in 2025. However, in volume terms, their share remained strong at 73–75%, indicating that while they still sell in large numbers, higher-priced phones are contributing more to overall market value.

Smartphone price rise likely soon

The ET report quotes industry experts who said smartphone prices are expected to rise soon due to higher component costs, especially memory chips, and the impact of a weaker rupee. Analysts noted that rising prices may reduce demand in lower price bands, which could continue to affect Chinese brands more than others.