India's Tablet Market Soars with 128.8% YoY Growth Driven by Government Distribution and Consumer Demand

India's tablet shipments surged by 128.8% YoY in Q2 2024, reaching 1.84 million units, fueled by government distribution and consumer demand, as reported by IDC. Samsung led the market with a 48.7% share while consumer preferences leaned towards affordable models.

The Indian tablet market experienced a significant surge in the April-June 2024 quarter, with shipments soaring by 128.8% year-over-year to reach 1.84 million units, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).

The primary driver behind this remarkable growth was the Uttar Pradesh government's distribution of tablets to students, alongside a low base from the same period last year. This, in turn, led to a high annual growth rate in the market. Slate tablets saw an impressive 178.1% year-on-year growth, while detachable tablets registered a 23.6% hike over the same period.

Priyansh Tiwari, Research Analyst at IDC India and South Asia, highlighted the surge in consumer demand, particularly for tablets priced between USD 200 and USD 300, attributing this to vendors offering high-spec products in this affordable segment. Tiwari also noted that discounts and cashbacks have bolstered consumer interest, a trend expected to persist.

According to the IDC report, Samsung dominated the market with a 48.7% share, leading in both commercial and consumer segments. Acer Group followed with a 23.6% share, while Apple held 9.5%, capitalizing on new product launches and price cuts. Lenovo and Xiaomi rounded out the top five, with shares of 6.9% and 4.7%, respectively.

Bharath Shenoy, Research Manager at IDC India and South Asia, emphasized the robust performance of the commercial segment, driven by key education deals and strong momentum in small and mid-size businesses. He projected high double-digit growth in the Indian tablet market for 2024, fueled by anticipated consumer demand during upcoming online sales and further education deals.

IDC is a global provider of market intelligence and advisory services, with over 1,300 analysts offering expertise in more than 110 countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)