21 March 2025, Hyderabad: Apple and Samsung solidified their dominance in India’s smartphone export market in 2024, collectively accounting for a staggering 94% of shipments, according to Counterpoint Research. Their aggressive expansion in local manufacturing drove a 6% year-on-year (YoY) increase in Made in India smartphone shipments in the financial year 2024.
Prachir Singh, senior research analyst at Counterpoint, noted that smartphone manufacturing in India is poised for double-digit growth in 2025, spurred by increased local value addition.
Tata Electronics Leads Growth in Manufacturing Tata Electronics emerged as the fastest-growing manufacturer in 2024, registering an impressive 107% YoY growth. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 were major contributors to the company’s soaring production. Additionally, Tata Electronics expanded its iPhone assembly operations and ventured into semiconductor fabrication, establishing a new plant in Dholera, Gujarat.
Dixon Tops the Overall Mobile Handset Segment Dixon Technologies led the overall mobile handset market, which includes both smartphones and feature phones. The company witnessed a 39% YoY growth in the smartphone segment, fueled by strong shipments from Transsion brands and Motorola. Dixon’s strategic partnerships and joint ventures have been instrumental in cementing its position as a key player in India’s handset manufacturing ecosystem.
India’s Appeal as a Manufacturing Hub The surge in smartphone exports is part of a broader industry trend, where global manufacturers are diversifying production to reduce reliance on a single country. India has emerged as a prime destination for smartphone production, offering a vast domestic market, affordable labor costs, and favorable government policies promoting local manufacturing.
Samsung’s Steady Growth; Vivo Gains Market Share Samsung continued its momentum in India’s electronics manufacturing sector, posting a 7% YoY growth, largely driven by exports. China’s Vivo secured the second spot in smartphone shipments, expanding its market share by 14% YoY. The company’s aggressive offline retail expansion and strengthened distribution network played a crucial role in its success. Vivo also claimed the top position in India’s smartphone shipments in 2024.
Foxconn and Oppo See Mixed Results Foxconn Hon Hai’s manufacturing volumes grew 19% YoY, bolstered by Apple’s increasing production. The company plans to enhance its local manufacturing capabilities by establishing a smartphone display module assembly unit.
Meanwhile, China’s Oppo faced setbacks, slipping to fourth place among manufacturers due to a 34% YoY decline in shipments. Intense competition from rivals and the increasing role of contract manufacturing for Oppo and Realme contributed to the dip.
DBG Rides on Xiaomi and Realme Partnerships DBG witnessed strong double-digit growth in 2024, driven by expanding partnerships with Xiaomi and Realme. The company’s strategic collaborations positioned it well in the growing Indian smartphone manufacturing landscape.
With India cementing its place as a global smartphone manufacturing powerhouse, industry experts predict further expansion and increased local value addition in the coming years.
Source: Economic Times
