Latest smartphone trends and buyer preferences in 2025
The smartphone market in 2025 is a vibrant and competitive landscape, with brands striving to offer cutting-edge technology and cater to evolving consumer preferences. Consumers are increasingly demanding devices that not only offer powerful performance but also boast advanced features, particularly in the camera and battery life departments.
Key market trends
Premiumization and Mid-Range Growth: While flagship models from Apple and Samsung continue to attract high-end buyers, there’s a strong push toward premium features in the mid-range segment. Consumers are seeking a balance between affordability and high-end specs like 120Hz AMOLED displays, 5G connectivity, and sophisticated camera systems.- AI Integration: Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a driving force in smartphone innovation. AI is enhancing various aspects of the user experience, from intuitive camera functions to efficient battery optimization and personalized content recommendations. Features like enhanced night photography, improved zoom quality, and AI-powered editing tools are becoming increasingly important to buyers.
- 5G Adoption: The rollout of 5G infrastructure is significantly influencing smartphone demand, with brands launching a range of 5G-enabled devices across all price points. The aim is to make 5G more accessible, including models under ₹10,000, according to the Consumer Electronics World Expo.
- Online Sales Surge: E-commerce platforms are playing a crucial role in smartphone sales, with online channels accounting for a significant portion of the market share. Consumers are embracing digital shopping, and brands are strategically focusing on online presence to capitalize on this trend.
- Foldable Phones Evolving: While still a niche segment, foldable smartphones are gaining traction with new models from Samsung and Vivo launching in July 2025. These devices showcase innovative form factors and are expected to appeal to high-end users, especially with Apple rumored to enter the market in 2026.
What buyers are prioritizing
- Camera Quality: Top-notch camera systems are a major selling point, with features like high megapixel counts, optical image stabilization, and advanced AI features for various shooting scenarios being highly sought after.
- Battery Life: Extended battery life is a crucial factor for many users, as phones are increasingly used for a variety of tasks throughout the day. Efficient chipsets and larger battery capacities contribute to longer usage times.
- Performance: Powerful processors and ample RAM are essential for smooth multitasking, gaming, and running demanding applications.
- Value for Money: Consumers are increasingly looking for smartphones that offer the best features and performance for their budget, driving the growth of feature-rich mid-range devices.
- Sustainability and Reparability:Â Environmental consciousness is influencing purchasing decisions, with a growing preference for devices made with recycled materials and boasting greater reparability.
Notable launches and brands
Brands like Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme, Oppo, OnePlus, and Google are leading the charge in the competitive smartphone market. Recent launches in July 2025 include Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, the OnePlus Nord 5 series, the Realme 15 series, and the Nothing Phone 3, to name a few. These devices demonstrate the ongoing innovation in areas like camera technology, battery life, and AI integration.
In conclusion, the smartphone market in 2025 is characterized by strong competition, rapid innovation, and a focus on catering to diverse consumer needs. Buyers are prioritizing powerful performance, advanced camera features, long battery life, and value for money in their smartphone purchases, with AI and 5G playing a increasingly prominent role in the evolving landscape.
Top budget-friendly smartphones in India (July 2025)
The Indian smartphone market offers a wide array of budget-friendly options, catering to users looking for a balance of features and affordability. Here are some of the best smartphones under Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000, along with their key features:
POCO M7 Pro 5G: Features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, up to 8GB RAM, 50MP rear camera, 5110 mAh battery with 45W fast charging.- CMF Phone 1:
Stands out with its customizable interchangeable back covers, 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 50MP camera, and 5000 mAh battery.
Offers robust performance with its MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G processor, 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, 50MP camera, and 5000 mAh battery with fast charging.
Comes with a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD display, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor, 50MP main camera, and a large 6000 mAh battery.
Delivers a premium visual experience with a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor. Features a 108MP rear camera and 5000 mAh battery with fast charging.
Sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display and runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 processor. Includes a 50MP rear camera and a 6000 mAh battery.
Best smartphones under Rs. 10,000
Offers a smooth experience for daily tasks and gaming with its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage.
Designed for reliable performance and connectivity with a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and 5G support.
Combines essential features with 5G connectivity, making it suitable for users who prioritize network speed.
A budget-friendly option with 5G connectivity and essential smartphone features, powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor.
- Infinix Zero 5G 2023: A feature-rich 5G smartphone at an affordable price point, combining performance with modern connectivity.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
Tailored for users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G capabilities and essential features for everyday use.
- Motorola Moto G73 5G: Offers a near-stock Android experience with reliable performance and 5G connectivity.
- TECNO Pova 5G:
Designed for users who prioritize battery life and performance, offering 5G connectivity and a large battery capacity for extended use.
Key considerations for budget-friendly smartphones
- Camera Quality: Many budget phones now offer decent cameras, often including features like multiple lenses and AI enhancements.
- Battery Life: Look for devices with at least 4000mAh batteries for all-day usage, according to Quora.
- Display Quality: AMOLED displays offer vibrant colors and sharp contrast, while IPS LCDs provide good viewing angles and decent brightness at a lower price point.
- Processor & RAM: Choose a phone with a capable processor and sufficient RAM (at least 4GB for basic use, 6GB or 8GB for heavier usage) for smooth performance.
- 5G Connectivity: Many budget-friendly options now include 5G, ensuring faster network speeds and future-proofing.
- Software Updates: Consider brands known for providing regular software updates for security and new features.
- Storage: Choose a device with at least 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, ideally expandable with a microSD card.
By considering these factors and exploring the options listed above, buyers can find a budget-friendly smartphone that perfectly meets their needs in 2025.