Around 42% of Indians are planning to purchase a premium smartphone (Rs 30,000 and above) this festive season. According to a new report, the top specifications that consumers consider when making a smartphone purchase are 5G, the latest processor, and RAM. Additionally, the report reveals that 86% of consumers prefer to make their purchase online, with Amazon being their preferred platform, as stated by Counterpoint Research.
Upgrading to the latest technology is mentioned as the key reason for smartphone purchase by 31% of Indian consumers. Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and OnePlus are the most preferred brands for this festive season.
“Consumers are cautious about the quality and features of smartphones since they have become the most important electronic gadget. This is why they consult multiple sources before making a purchase and increasingly choose premium smartphones,” said senior analyst Arushi Chawla. When asked about the top preferred smartphone brand, 33% of respondents chose Samsung, followed by Apple (18%), Xiaomi (11%), and OnePlus (10%).
The report identifies five reasons why people prefer Amazon: attractive offers, availability of top brands, availability of the latest devices, fast delivery speed, and reliable delivery. Research Director Tarun Pathak explains, “5G will continue to drive smartphone demand in the coming years. Its presence has now extended to lower price bands (Rs 10,000 and below). It is also interesting that 20% of respondents prefer switching to online platforms from offline modes, with the availability of the latest devices being the top reason for 43% of this group.”
Furthermore, the report shows that 22% of respondents consider cashbacks/rewards as their top preferred offer when purchasing a smartphone. This is followed by bank offers (21%) and no-cost EMI (16%).