Compact Smartphones in High Demand, But Options Remain Limited in India: Counterpoint

A recent consumer survey by Counterpoint Research reveals a strong preference among young emerging professionals and early jobbers in India for compact smartphones, highlighting a significant gap in the current market offerings. According to the study, 74 percent of respondents favour compact smartphones, yet 68 percent believe that the market lacks sufficient options in this category. Despite the growing interest, nearly 90 percent of smartphones launched in 2024 featured screens larger than 6.5 inches, underscoring the limited availability of smaller form factors.

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Also Read: GenAI Smartphones Set to Dominate 54 Percent of Shipments by 2028, Says Counterpoint

Survey commissioned by OnePlus

The survey, commissioned by OnePlus, polled over 2,000 individuals aged 18 to 35 across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India. It found that 60 percent of respondents consider a 6.0 to 6.5-inch display as the ideal size for a compact device. A significant 88 percent expressed willingness to purchase a compact smartphone—provided it delivers flagship-level performance.

Features Driving Compact Smartphone Demand

One-handed usability emerged as a key driver, with 73 percent highlighting it as a critical factor in their purchase decision. Ease of use (55 percent), comfort during prolonged usage (49 percent), and a good in-hand feel (71 percent) were also cited as top reasons for preferring compact phones. Additionally, 69 percent of participants emphasised the importance of the device’s aesthetic appeal.

Performance remains a priority, with more than half unwilling to compromise on processor speed or battery life. The rise of casual mobile gaming further bolsters the demand for smaller devices, with 86 percent of users preferring compact phones for enhanced comfort during extended gaming sessions.

AI-Powered Features

Moreover, 84 percent of respondents expressed interest in customizable buttons for quicker access to essential functions, while 89 percent also consider AI-powered features—such as voice assistants, camera enhancements, and battery optimisation—important when choosing their next smartphone.