SA329 (82.3 ov)
AUS
BAN177/3 (59 ov)
WI
IND-W
ZIM-W
FC Goa
SCD
MIL
BOL
PAR
UDI
VEN
INT
GEN
JUV
MON
NAP
UAE
OMA
AS Roma4
Cagliari2
Torino1
Como3
Sassuolo2
Lazio6
AFG177
ZIM140 (19.1/20 ov, target 178)
DEN
QAT
KENYA
KUW
SIKM184 & 15/0 (8 ov, target 212)
NAGA187 & 208
JHK131/4 (47 ov)
DELHI515/5d
ODSA194
SVCS13/0 (5 ov)
BRODA616
J & K87/4 (35 ov)
CHD685/5d
HP198/1 (58 ov)
CGR216/8 (95 ov)
AP231
HYD294/4 (91 ov)
PNJB431
KNTKA429/8 (131 ov)
TPURA194
ENG
SL
POA
SPR
BRB
VAG
LIONS
EASTN
WELL
OTAGO
PAK110
NAM316/7
IRE253 (44.5/50 ov, target 317)
NZ198/3
IND199/4 (13.2/20 ov, target 199)
NED371/5
AUCK361/5 (50 ov)
CANT311 (44.1/46 ov, target 345)
Al Khaleej
Al Hazem
Frosinone
Lecce
Abha0
Al Faisaly1
Fleetwood Town1
Arsenal1
Bradford2
Peterborough0
Chinese smartphone brands’ combined share in India fell to about 68% in July to September, down from 75% a year earlier, according to Omdia. Shipments dropped 26%, the weakest third quarter since 2016, as memory costs lifted phone prices.
The Numbers: Chinese Smartphone Brands
A post by India Plus highlighted the share slide. The firm figures are from Free Press Journal and Gizbot.
| Metric | Q3 2026 |
|---|---|
| India smartphone shipments | 35.8 million, down 26% year on year |
| Chinese brands’ combined share | About 68%, versus 75% a year ago |
| Top brand by units | Samsung, 6.7 million, then vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi and Apple |
| Outlook | Low single-digit decline expected in 2027 |
Why It Happened
- Memory costs: Counterpoint says memory prices rose nearly fourfold since September 2025 and now make up a much bigger share of a phone’s cost.
- Budget cuts: Chinese brands rely on entry and mid-range phones, where price hikes hit hardest. Sales of phones under ₹15,000 fell 45% in the previous quarter.
- Late Diwali: Festive buying came later than usual.
Who Gains?
The post says Lava and AI+ grew their combined share from 2% to 7%. I could not verify that figure in the sources I found. Counterpoint noted earlier that no Indian brand was in India’s top eight in Q2.
See the price effect in our report on the OPPO Reno 16 price hike. Read about the smartphone market. More news is on TechnoSports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Chinese brands' share fall?
To about 68% from 75%, per Omdia.
Why are phone prices rising?
Higher memory chip costs are the main reason. Sources: India Plus on X, Free Press Journal, Counterpoint Research.
How much did Chinese phone brands’ share fall in India?
Their combined share fell to about 68% in July to September, down from 75% a year earlier, according to Omdia.
Why are phone prices rising in India?
Higher memory chip costs are the main reason. Counterpoint says memory prices rose nearly fourfold since September 2025.
