In 2024, the Indian PC market exhibited a commendable growth rate of 3.8% year-over-year, translating into total shipments of 14.4 million units. According to a report by IDC, this growth is emblematic of broader trends within the industry, influenced by diverse factors such as heightened public sector acquisitions and burgeoning interests in gaming and AI-integrated devices. As various players contend for market share, HP maintained its dominance, closely trailed by Lenovo and Dell, while Acer and Asus rounded out the top five.
An in-depth analysis reveals that among different product categories, workstations were the star performers with a remarkable 10.9% increase in shipments. Simultaneously, the notebook segment surged by 4.5%, while desktop shipments lagged with a modest growth of 1.8%. Notably, Q4 2024 saw a significant uptick, particularly in the notebook category, which experienced a robust 9.6% growth. Premium notebooks were even more impressive, with a 13.8% year-over-year increase, reflecting a shift in consumer spending behaviors as users prioritize high-performance devices.
The consumer segment slightly outpaced others with a 2.6% growth, yet the commercial segment outperformed it, achieving a 5.1% increase. Within these subsets, the enterprise and government sectors were standout contributors with an impressive 10.6% growth, suggesting that institutional clients are increasingly modernizing their tech infrastructures.
HP dominated the overall market with a significant 30.1% share; however, the brand experienced a decline of 7.5% in its consumer segment. This drop underscores an increasingly competitive environment, particularly in online retail spaces populated by aggressive new entrants. Lenovo followed with a solid 17.2% market share, supported by balanced growth across its consumer and commercial segments, indicating a well-rounded market strategy.
Dell held its ground in third place with a 16.1% market share, while Acer displayed exceptional growth at 15.1%, especially in the consumer segment where it recorded a staggering 48.4% increase. Acer’s rise can be attributed to strategic pricing and effective eTailer partnerships, showcasing how digital channels can drive physical product sales in today’s market.
Asus, at fifth place with 7% market share, managed to improve its commercial segment dramatically by 18.4%. Its strategy of maintaining healthy channel inventories has clearly paid off, indicating a sophisticated approach to supply chain management amidst fluctuating demand.
The IDC report highlights the pivotal role of emerging technologies, specifically in AI and gaming. According to Bharath Shenoy, IDC’s Research Manager, the demand for AI-powered notebooks has surged since mid-2024. Affordable models equipped with Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI processors are becoming more popular, representing a shift towards technologically advanced, yet budget-friendly options.
This trend positions manufacturers favorably to cater to a demographic that increasingly seeks innovation without breaking the bank. The implications for vendors are immense, as energy-efficient and advanced processing capabilities will likely dictate competitive advantage.
Looking towards the future, the commercial PC market anticipates a resurgence in replacement demand as machines purchased during the 2020-2021 cycle begin to age. According to Navkendar Singh, IDC’s Associate Vice President, this anticipated demand signaling a tech refresh could provide much-needed momentum to the industry.
However, challenges loom on the horizon. The weakening Indian rupee poses risks to consumer affordability, potentially overheating the highly price-sensitive SMB and consumer markets. Vendors will need to navigate these economic complexities by offering flexible financing options or exploring ways to absorb rising costs without alienating their customer base.
2024 has been a pivotal year for India’s PC market, marked by a blend of growth, competition, and transformative technology. While challenges remain, the upward trajectory suggests that innovation and strategic foresight will be critical for vendors aiming to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
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