Tablets gain market share as laptop prices rise

India's tablet market grew 37% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, driven by rising laptop prices and demand for larger screens and higher specifications. Devices priced above Rs 20,000 accounted for 86% of shipments, growing 92%, according to research agency CMR. Tablets with 12GB RAM surged 835% year-on-year, while 6GB models grew 284%.

Counterpoint data showed shipments of tablets with screens of 13 inches and above jumped 338% in Q1, while devices below 10 inches fell 52%. A Xiaomi spokesperson said the distinction between a tablet and a laptop will narrow significantly over the next two to three years, with tablets taking an increasing share of everyday computing. However, HP India's Vineet Gehani said laptops will remain the preferred option for demanding workloads, and the two form factors are likely to co-exist.

Counterpoint estimated overall Q1 growth at 5%, while CMR expects the market to decline 10-12% for the full year. The shift is strongest in online education, content consumption and light productivity, where buyers might otherwise have chosen an entry-level notebook.