New Delhi, June 1 : The Indian tablet market recorded a 5% year-on-year growth in Q1 2026 despite rising memory price pressures and uncertain market conditions, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest Tablets Tracker. The growth was driven by evolving consumer preferences, strong demand momentum from previous quarters, and continued expansion in domestic manufacturing.
On the demand side, consumers increasingly favored tablets with larger displays, 5G connectivity, and higher specifications. Tablets are also being viewed as a cost-effective alternative to laptops and smartphones as memory prices continue to rise across consumer electronics categories. The momentum from earlier quarters further supported market growth during the period.
A key trend shaping the market has been the growing preference for larger screen sizes. Traditionally positioned between smartphones and laptops, tablets are increasingly bridging the gap between productivity and entertainment devices. Products such as Lenovo’s Idea Tab series and Samsung’s Ultra series have gained traction in this segment. During Q1 2026, Apple and Xiaomi further reinforced the trend by launching tablets featuring displays larger than 12 inches.
On the supply side, domestic tablet manufacturing expanded significantly, registering a 61% YoY increase in volume terms. Samsung maintained its leadership in locally manufactured tablets, while Lenovo accelerated its shift toward localized production. Xiaomi and OnePlus also benefited from increased local manufacturing capabilities. Other brands, including realme and OPPO, continued to strengthen India’s tablet manufacturing ecosystem through expanded production initiatives.
Commenting on the market dynamics, Anshika Jain, Principal Analyst at Counterpoint Research, said:
“Lenovo recaptured the second position in the Indian tablet market after eight quarters. Increased domestic production and sustained demand for the Idea Tab series, particularly in the larger display category, were key growth drivers. Another notable development was OnePlus entering the top five brands, supported by the strong performance of its Pad Lite and Go 2 series, both of which are being domestically produced. Exports also continued to expand, surpassing 200,000 units during the quarter, with more brands, including realme, exploring international markets. Positive momentum in both manufacturing and consumer demand is enabling the tablet market to grow despite challenging market conditions.”
Jain further highlighted changing consumer preferences and their impact on pricing trends:
“The market is witnessing a stronger preference for larger screen sizes as consumers increasingly use tablets for both media consumption and productivity. This trend is driving premiumization, with consumers opting for higher configurations and enhanced display technologies. During Q1 2026, the market recorded a double-digit increase in average selling prices (ASP). While memory cost inflation contributed to pricing pressures, its impact remained relatively moderate during the quarter. The effects are expected to become more visible from Q2 2026 as brands adjust pricing strategies to manage rising component costs and margin pressures.”
The report also noted that tablet exports from India continued to gain momentum, crossing 200,000 units during the quarter. Growing export opportunities, coupled with rising localization efforts, are expected to further strengthen India’s position as a manufacturing hub for tablets.
Counterpoint Research’s Consumer IoT analysis is based on sell-in shipment estimates derived from India import and local manufacturing data, validated through OEM feedback, channel checks, and secondary research.