The premium smartphone chipset battle in India just got its latest scoreboard, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon sits firmly on top. According to the July 2025 Smartphone Shipment Tracker from CyberMedia Research (CMR) India, Snapdragon has grabbed the No. 1 spot in the premium chipset segment, defined as phones priced above Rs 25,000, with a commanding 40 per cent market share. This signals a strong lead at a time when millions of Indians are preparing to upgrade during the festive season.
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Premium chipset market in India: Snapdragon leads the pack
The report shows Snapdragon outpacing rivals in a segment where performance, gaming capabilities, and long-term software reliability matter most. Smartphones in the premium category have become less about luxury and more about necessity for users who want pro-grade cameras, AI-enabled features, and the kind of smooth multitasking that only a strong chipset can deliver.
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Snapdragon’s latest ranking comes as buyers weigh festive offers and new launches. CMR India’s data suggests that performance drives 89 per cent of purchase decisions, while 85 per cent of consumers say gaming matters significantly. Interestingly, 45 per cent of buyers are also considering generative AI support as a factor before spending more than Rs 25,000 on a new phone.
Snapdragon Hai Na: The festive campaign
To cash in on the momentum, Snapdragon has rolled out its new marketing push, ‘Snapdragon Hai Na’. The campaign aims to simplify the often confusing decision-making process for smartphone buyers. By highlighting speed, battery efficiency, gaming, AI, and camera prowess, it speaks directly to consumer priorities.
The campaign is being amplified through television, OTT platforms, YouTube takeovers, social media, print, and influencer partnerships. Qualcomm appears to be betting big on creating high recall value in the festive season, where advertising noise reaches its peak.
What does this mean for the festive market?
India is entering one of its biggest smartphone upgrade cycles in years. With OEMs pushing aggressive festive discounts, consumers are hunting for feature-rich devices that can last them at least the next two to three years. Snapdragon’s position at the top of the premium chipset rankings gives it an edge in shaping those decisions.
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While Snapdragon’s 40 per cent market share is significant, the real test lies in sustaining this lead against rival chipmakers who are also eyeing India’s festive gold rush.
The chipset race is no longer about clock speeds alone. With AI moving to the centre of smartphone experiences, consumers are picking brands that future-proof their purchases. Snapdragon’s lead shows that performance still rules, but the battle for the premium smartphone user is only going to get fiercer.
