The tablet market in India saw a significant surge in 2024, with shipments growing by 42.8% year-over-year (YoY) to 5.73 million units, according to a report by International Data Corporation (IDC). The rise is attributed to higher notebook PC prices, improved Android features, and strong e-commerce promotions.

However, the report also highlighted a 17% YoY decline in Q4 2024, citing delays in government procurement deals as a contributing factor.

What Drove Tablet Growth in 2024?

According to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, several factors contributed to the increased demand for tablets:

✔ Affordable options – Over 60% of shipments were entry-level tablets priced under $300 (₹26,200).
✔ PC alternative – Rising notebook prices led many consumers to choose tablets for light productivity and entertainment.
✔ Better features – Improved cameras, software updates, and app integration in Android tablets attracted buyers.
✔ Strong sales promotions – eTailer discounts, cashback offers, and online deals played a major role in consumer purchases.

The detachable tablet category grew 30% YoY, while slate tablets saw an even higher 47.2% growth in 2024.

Commercial Tablet Demand Surges by 69.7%

The commercial segment saw a remarkable 69.7% YoY growth, despite a 9.9% decline in demand from Very Large Businesses (VLBs).

📈 Education sector boom – Government-funded education projects fueled a 104.5% increase in demand for tablets.
📈 Adoption in industries – Tablets are gaining traction in FMCG, hospitality, and banking, viewed as portable productivity devices.

Top Tablet Brands in India (2024)

Samsung dominated the Indian tablet market, leading in both consumer and commercial segments.

🥇 Samsung – 42.6% market share (51.1% in commercial, 32.1% in consumer)
🥈 Acer Group – 18.7% market share
🥉 Apple – 11% market share
🏅 Lenovo & Xiaomi – 9% each

In Q4 2024, Samsung maintained its lead with 35.5% market share, largely due to its presence in public sector education projects and strong inventory push during online sales.

Outlook for 2025: AI-Powered Tablets to Drive Growth

Looking ahead, IDC’s Bharath Shenoy predicts continued growth in 2025, especially in the consumer segment. The launch of AI-powered tablets in the coming months is expected to further boost demand.

With affordable pricing, better features, and rising industry adoption, tablets are set to remain a popular choice for Indian consumers in the years ahead.