India’s Tablet Shipments Drop 32% in H1 2025; Samsung Stays on Top
Slump driven by fall in government orders; consumer demand offers some relief
India’s tablet market contracted sharply in the first half of 2025, with total shipments falling 32.2% every year to about 2.15 million units. The slump marks one of the steepest declines in recent years, driven largely by a drop in commercial demand.
The slowdown was more pronounced in the April–June quarter, which saw shipments plunge 42.1% compared to the same period last year. A key factor behind the decline was the scaling back of large government-funded education and public sector procurement programs that had previously driven bulk tablet orders.
Despite the overall downturn, the market showed contrasting trends across device types. Detachable tablets, which include hybrid devices with removable keyboards, grew 18.9%, supported by demand for flexible, productivity-focused tools. Meanwhile, traditional slate tablets suffered a steep 44.4% fall in shipments.
Samsung continued to dominate the market, capturing 41.3% share in the first half of the year. The company led both the commercial and consumer segments, driven by its presence in education initiatives and aggressive online distribution. Lenovo followed with a 12.3% share, while Apple ranked third at 11.8%. Xiaomi and Acer rounded out the top five.
While the commercial segment faltered, consumer demand held relatively steady. Online sales outpaced offline, boosted by new launches, cashback offers, and financing options. Features like larger screens, stylus support, and competitive pricing also helped sustain interest, particularly in mid-range devices.
“The consumer tablet market doubled between 2019 and 2021 and is expected to triple by the end of 2025,” said Bharath Shenoy, an industry analyst. “But weakening public sector demand could weigh on total growth going forward.
As India’s tablet market shifts from institutional to consumer-driven demand, manufacturers are likely to focus more on productivity-centric and affordable models. With the festive season approaching, the next few months may offer a modest recovery, driven by aggressive promotions and refreshed product line-ups. Still, without a revival in commercial spending, overall growth may remain subdued through the end of the year.