What do Indians look for in a smartphone? New study reveals changing priorities

 A recent study conducted by CyberMedia Research (CMR) has shed light on the evolving preferences of smartphone consumers in India, particularly regarding their demand for advanced features such as 5G technology, improved camera capabilities, and longer battery life.

Surprisingly, brands like iQOO and LAVA are challenging the dominance of established players in the market, with iQOO receiving recommendations from 75 per cent of users and LAVA from 68 per cent.

The comprehensive survey, which covered both consumers and retailers across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Kanpur, Jabalpur, Ranchi, and Madurai, involved over 500 smartphone users and 250 retailers.

Results indicate a notable shift in consumer priorities towards features like 5G compatibility (70 per cent), enhanced camera functionalities (68 per cent), and extended battery life (66 per cent).

According to Surachita Deb Sarma, Analyst-Industry Consulting Group (ICG), CyberMedia Research (CMR), “The Indian smartphone market is poised for a transformative year. Consumers are increasingly demanding more from their devices, prioritizing features like 5G, superior cameras, and longer battery life. Established brands face stiff competition from new contenders, creating an exciting and dynamic market in the coming year.”

These changing preferences are also evident in the daily usage patterns of smartphone users, who spend significant amounts of time on social media, watching reels, and engaging in chat applications.

The growing demand for entertainment, encompassing video streaming, music, and gaming, underscores the importance of smartphones with robust performance capabilities.