India’s PC and tablet market showed resilience in 2022, with a 5% expansion to 19.6 million units, despite a significant decline in the fourth quarter of the year. This growth was mainly driven by the rise in demand for desktops and tablets, which grew by 37% and 21% respectively, while notebook shipments decreased by 7%.
These figures were reported by Canalys, a leading market research company, which also highlighted that HP maintained its dominant position in the Indian PC market (excluding tablets), with over 30% market share in both the fourth quarter and the entire year 2022. Lenovo, on the other hand, came in second but experienced a 31% drop in shipment volumes in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in the expansion of the PC and tablet market in India. With the shift to remote work and online education, the demand for personal computing devices has skyrocketed. According to Canalys, this trend is expected to continue in 2023, with the market expected to grow by a further 6%.
The rise in demand for desktops and tablets can also be attributed to the increasing availability of affordable models. Many Indian consumers, especially those in rural areas, cannot afford expensive laptops and prefer cheaper alternatives that offer similar functionalities. This has led to an increase in demand for entry-level desktops and tablets.
The Indian government has also played a significant role in boosting the PC and tablet market. The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, aims to provide digital infrastructure, including personal computing devices, to every citizen in the country. Under this initiative, the government has provided subsidies and tax incentives to local manufacturers, making it easier for them to produce affordable devices.
The PC and tablet market in India is highly competitive, with both global and local players vying for market share. Global brands such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo dominate the market, but local manufacturers such as Micromax and Lava have also gained a significant foothold in recent years. The competition has led to a diverse range of products and competitive pricing, benefitting consumers.
In conclusion, India’s PC and tablet market has shown remarkable resilience in 2022, despite challenges posed by the pandemic and supply chain disruptions. The rise in demand for personal computing devices, especially desktops and tablets, is expected to continue in 2023, fuelled by remote work and online education. With the government’s support and a highly competitive market, the Indian PC and tablet market is poised for continued growth in the years to come.
