Despite a 7% year-on-year drop in overall smartphone shipments, Q1 2025 saw a few standout brands thriving in the Indian market. Among them, Nothing, Google, and Motorola are the fastest-growing smartphone brands, with their solid comeback and disruption as key insights, in a fiercely competitive industry.
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Nothing, Google, and Motorola Emerge as India’s Fastest-Growing Smartphone Brands in Q1 2025
Nothing
UK brand, Nothing, was the fastest growing with 156% year-on-year shipment growth. The rapid ascent is propelled by the success of this week’s new release, the Phone (2a), which features a unique see-through design, unblemished user experience, and decent hardware specs, at a strong price point. Nothing has also continued to gain traction with Gen Z and tech-savvy users, and it’s now achieving five consecutive quarters of growth, establishing itself as a true mid-range player.
Google’s Pixel range found traction in the premium segment of the India market, posting strong growth over the previous year. In 2023, the search giant claimed only 1% market share; however, in 2024 it grew to 5%, helped by the triumphant launch of the Pixel 8 series and a more competitive pricing approach. The push by the company to produce the Pixel locally has played a role in cutting overhead expenses to increase the reach of its premium smartphone in the country, making it appealing to Indian users.
Motorola
Motorola registered a 59% year-on-year increase in Q1 2025, mostly driven by its effective offline expansion and a robust 5G portfolio. Recently launched devices such as the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and Edge 50 Fusion are designed with premium features like curved pOLED displays, higher refresh rates, and good battery life that made them a hit among Indian consumers looking for the same high-end performance without burning a hole in their pocket.
With the market’s pace slowing down, the three brands managed to break this trend due to the unique design, the competitive price of products, as well as effective channel expansion. Their strong showing in Q1 2025 also emphasizes the requirement for diversified portfolios in India’s growing smartphone market.
FAQs
Which smartphone brand grew the most in Q1 2025 in India?
Nothing saw the highest growth with a 156% year-on-year increase.
Is the Google Pixel popular in India now?
Yes, Pixel’s market share rose to 5% in the premium segment.