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changes in smartphone market

Currently, various companies are launching new smartphones in the market. Customer preferences are also changing with time. According to the ‘Smartphone Insights Report 2026’ presented by Flipkart and Counterpoint Research, significant changes are taking place in India’s smartphone market.

New customer preferences

Now customers do not want to upgrade the phone only on the basis of technical specifications. Instead, they are paying attention to other aspects of the phone as well. The report highlights that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an important role in customer preferences.

Emphasis on AI capabilities

The report makes it clear that smartphone users are no longer upgrading just for minor improvements in hardware, rather they are focusing on the phone’s performance, AI capabilities, design and long-term benefits. According to the report, 89 percent of users depend on AI features.

Daily Use of AI

AI has now become an integral part of daily smartphone use. AI is being used extensively for voice assistants, content searching, and personalized experiences. Customers are now moving towards advanced AI.

Use of AI according to generation

The use of AI varies according to different demographics. Its need and use is different for every generation.

Gen Z users especially use AI for content creation and entertainment.

At the same time, Millennials are using it for productivity and planning.

Female users are becoming more dependent on AI in their daily tasks and lifestyle tasks.

Reason for priority of AI

With the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence, smartphones are no longer just simple devices, but they have become more intelligent and active. They are now expected to simplify many tasks by understanding the user’s needs and intentions. Through AI technology, smartphones have become faster, smarter and able to respond better to situations. Earlier these advanced features were available only in expensive premium phones, but now their impact is evident even in the Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 range.

Focus on design, color and price

Apart from AI, customers are also giving importance to design. 64 percent people prefer colored devices and are willing to pay 5 percent extra for the colors of their choice. This trend is being seen among women, Gen Z users and consumers in tier-2 markets.

– About 60 percent people prefer to charge full price, while 57 percent people trust the brand and 56 percent users prefer online reviews.

– Apart from this, 5 percent people are willing to pay more money for better performance, while 57 percent people prefer improvements in the camera.