In an exciting development for the Indian tech market, the country’s tablet sector has experienced a remarkable surge of 46% growth in Q3 2024, as per the latest report from CyberMedia Research (CMR). This surge is fueled by increasing demand for 5G connectivity and premium tablets, with major players like Apple and Samsung leading the charge. The growth reflects not only a shift in consumer preferences towards higher-end devices but also a broader trend towards mobile-first technology adoption across India.

Key Points:

India’s tablet market grew by 46% YoY and 79% QoQ in Q3 2024.

Tablets in the INR 20,000-30,000 range saw a 108% increase in sales.

Wi-Fi-only tablets held a dominant 62% market share, while 5G tablets captured 19%.

Apple maintained the lead with a 34% market share and a 95% YoY growth.

Samsung followed closely with a 25% share and 70% YoY growth.

Xiaomi and OnePlus saw impressive growth, expanding by 146% and 97%, respectively.

Demand for Premium Tablets Drives Market Growth

The Indian tablet market’s explosive growth in Q3 2024 was predominantly driven by the demand for 5G-enabled devices and premium models. The festive season saw a marked shift in consumer behavior, as buyers increasingly gravitated toward higher-end tablets. The 5G tablets market, although still in its nascent stage, captured 19% of the market share, showing a clear preference for faster internet speeds and seamless connectivity on the go.

Among the price segments, tablets priced between INR 20,000 and INR 30,000 saw the most significant sales spike, with a remarkable 108% increase. This indicates a noticeable shift towards premium devices, with consumers willing to spend more for added features, performance, and 5G connectivity.

Apple Leads the Market with iPad 10 Series

Apple continues to dominate India’s tablet market, with a 34% market share and a 95% year-on-year growth in Q3 2024. The growth has largely been attributed to the popularity of its iPad 10 series, which accounted for a significant 60% of Apple’s total tablet shipments in the country. Apple’s focus on premium design, powerful performance, and the growing demand for its ecosystem has made the iPad a favorite among Indian consumers, particularly in the education and business sectors.

Samsung’s Strong Performance with Galaxy A9 Plus 5G

Samsung has maintained its second-place position in India’s tablet market with a 25% market share and a 70% YoY growth in Q3 2024. The company’s success is largely driven by the Galaxy A9 Plus 5G, which represented 52% of Samsung’s total tablet shipments in the country. Samsung’s focus on affordable yet feature-packed devices with 5G connectivity has resonated well with Indian consumers, particularly those looking for value-for-money options in the premium tablet category.

Xiaomi and OnePlus Show Remarkable Growth

Xiaomi also made impressive strides, with its Redmi Pad models contributing to a massive 146% YoY growth. Xiaomi’s ability to offer feature-rich tablets at competitive prices has made its products increasingly popular in India’s price-sensitive market.

Meanwhile, OnePlus has emerged as another strong contender, showing a 97% YoY growth with its Pad Go Wi-Fi Series. OnePlus’ emphasis on high-performance hardware and sleek design has garnered attention, especially among users seeking premium features at an affordable price point.

Lenovo Faces Decline, While New Players Gain Traction

While some established players like Lenovo saw a 13% decline in sales, new entrants like OnePlus and Xiaomi are making significant strides. Lenovo’s decline highlights the growing competition in the tablet market, where consumer preferences are shifting towards brands offering a combination of affordability, premium features, and 5G connectivity.

Future Outlook for India’s Tablet Market

The future looks promising for India’s tablet market. According to CMR, the market is expected to continue growing, with a forecasted expansion of 10-15% for the remainder of 2024. This growth is driven by rising consumer demand for both premium tablets and value-for-money options. Additionally, sectors like education, healthcare, and hospitality are increasingly adopting tablets for business use, further fueling demand.

As India’s tablet market continues to evolve, brands will need to innovate and focus on delivering the latest technology, including 5G and high-resolution displays, to stay competitive. With the rapid expansion of 5G networks and increased consumer interest in premium devices, the tablet market in India is poised for continued growth in the coming years.

Conclusion

The tablet market in India has experienced a significant surge in Q3 2024, with the demand for 5G connectivity and premium tablets driving much of the growth. Apple and Samsung continue to lead the charge, but brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus are also gaining significant market share. With the forecasted growth in the remainder of 2024, India’s tablet market is set to remain a key player in the global tech landscape, particularly as sectors like education and healthcare increasingly turn to tablets for business solutions.

As India moves towards a more connected, mobile-first future, the tablet market will continue to evolve, offering consumers a wide range of options that cater to both budget and premium segments.