India’s tablet shipments dropped 32% in the first half of 2025. Samsung leads with over 41% market share, followed by Lenovo and Apple.
India’s Tablet Market Shrinks 32% in H1; Samsung Leads
India’s tablet market has taken a sharp hit in the first half (H1) of 2025, witnessing a steep decline of 32% year-on-year, according to the latest industry reports. Despite the slowdown, Samsung has managed to retain its top position, emerging as the biggest winner in the shrinking market.
The Numbers That Matter
In the first six months of 2025, tablet shipments in India fell to nearly 2.15 million units, compared to last year’s stronger performance. The decline is primarily attributed to falling demand in the commercial sector, especially government-funded educational projects that previously boosted volumes.
- Consumer shipments grew by 20%, driven by online sales and festive promotions.
- Commercial shipments, however, plunged by over 60%, dragging down the overall market.
- Slate tablets (traditional models) saw a huge 44% decline, while detachable tablets (with keyboards) grew by nearly 19%, showing growing preference for hybrid devices.
Samsung on Top
Samsung dominated the Indian tablet market with a commanding 41% share, performing strongly in both the consumer (37%) and commercial (48%) segments. The company’s success comes from its aggressive online strategy and consistent participation in public education projects.
Lenovo and Apple Compete for Second Place
- Lenovo secured the second spot with a 12% market share, benefitting from demand among enterprises and SMBs.
- Apple followed closely with nearly 12% share, supported by strong demand for iPads in the premium category.
Xiaomi and Acer in the Top 5
Rounding off the top five were Xiaomi, with around 11% share, and Acer, holding about 9% despite steep declines due to cancelled education tenders.
What This Means for the Market
The contrasting trends show that while the overall market is shrinking, consumers are still buying tablets, especially premium and hybrid models. This indicates a shift in demand from bulk institutional purchases to individual consumer-driven buying.
Outlook for 2025
Experts believe the second half of the year could see some recovery, with the festive season and back-to-school campaigns boosting demand. However, the market may continue to remain challenging for brands heavily dependent on government tenders.
Final Thoughts
The 32% decline in India’s tablet market highlights the ongoing challenges in the industry, but also reveals growth opportunities in the consumer and detachable segments. Samsung’s leadership once again proves its adaptability, while Lenovo and Apple are not far behind. As the year progresses, brands that focus on innovation, hybrid models, and consumer-first strategies will likely capture the biggest gains.