Smartphones may dominate pockets, but laptops are quietly taking over desks — and India’s latest sales data shows a clear shift in how the country is choosing to work, study, and go digital in 2026.
India’s electronics market is witnessing a shift that few predicted a year ago. While smartphone sales have slowed after years of rapid expansion, laptops are seeing strong demand across the country. New industry data shows that personal computer (PC) sales in India have reached record levels in 2025, driven largely by laptops. The trend highlights changing consumer priorities and the growing importance of digital tools in work, education, and daily life.
According to recent market research reports, companies sold about 15.9 million personal computers in India in 2025. Out of this, laptops accounted for nearly 11.4 million units. This marks one of the strongest performances for the PC market in recent years. In contrast, smartphone demand has remained relatively flat compared to its pandemic-era peak.
The rise in laptop sales reflects a deeper transformation in how Indians use technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for digital devices surged as offices, schools, and colleges moved online. After the initial spike, sales cooled as supply chains normalized and many consumers delayed upgrades. However, the current growth appears to be driven less by emergency buying and more by structured, long-term digital adoption.
Education remains one of the biggest contributors to laptop demand. Students preparing for competitive exams, attending online classes, or pursuing higher studies increasingly depend on laptops instead of smartphones. While smartphones are convenient for communication and entertainment, laptops offer better functionality for assignments, research, coding, design, and professional tasks.
Work-from-home and hybrid office models have also created sustained demand. Many companies now require employees to have personal computing devices that support secure logins, video meetings, and professional software. Even small businesses and startups are investing in laptops for their teams, as digital operations become essential rather than optional.
Another reason for growth is the upgrade cycle. Many consumers who bought entry-level devices during the pandemic are now replacing them with more powerful models. With better processors, longer battery life, and improved storage options, new-generation laptops are attracting buyers who want higher performance. Falling prices in some categories and festive-season discounts have also encouraged purchases.
Industry experts point out that India still has significant room for expansion in the PC segment. Compared to developed markets, laptop penetration remains relatively low. As digital literacy spreads to smaller towns and rural areas, the potential customer base continues to widen. Affordable financing options and online retail platforms have further expanded access.
On the other hand, smartphone sales are facing saturation in urban markets. Many consumers already own feature-rich devices that meet their needs, reducing the urgency to upgrade frequently. Improvements between new smartphone models have become incremental rather than revolutionary. As a result, replacement cycles are lengthening.
However, this does not mean smartphones are losing relevance. India remains one of the world’s largest smartphone markets, with hundreds of millions of active users. Smartphones continue to dominate in areas such as social media, payments, entertainment, and basic internet access. But when it comes to productivity, content creation, and professional work, laptops are increasingly preferred.
Government initiatives promoting digital services, online education, and local manufacturing have also supported PC sales. Policies encouraging domestic electronics production under schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program have improved supply stability. This has allowed brands to maintain competitive pricing and consistent availability.
Leading brands in India’s laptop market include both global and domestic players. Competition among them has resulted in diverse options across price ranges—from entry-level devices for students to premium ultrabooks and gaming laptops. Gaming in particular has become a growing segment, with younger consumers investing in high-performance machines.
Looking ahead, analysts believe the PC market could maintain steady growth if economic conditions remain stable. Demand from education, corporate upgrades, and small businesses is expected to continue. At the same time, smartphone makers may need to innovate more aggressively to revive faster upgrade cycles.
The broader message is clear: India’s digital journey is maturing. Consumers are no longer buying devices only for connectivity; they are investing in productivity and long-term digital engagement. The rise in laptop sales signals a shift toward more serious and sustained use of technology.
As India’s economy becomes increasingly digital, the balance between smartphones and laptops will continue to evolve. For now, laptops are enjoying a moment of strong momentum—one that reflects both changing habits and expanding aspirations in a rapidly connected nation.
