The Indian personal computer (PC) market has recently showcased a significant upward trajectory, recording a 3.8% year-over-year growth in 2024 as reported by market research firm IDC. This growth reflects consumer tendencies, alongside substantial public sector investments and a burgeoning demand for advanced gaming and AI-powered computers. This article delves into the dynamics, leading players, and underlying factors fueling this growth.
In 2024, the total shipments of desktops, notebooks, and workstations in India reached an impressive 14.4 million units, marking a steady increase from previous years. Notebooks, in particular, saw robust growth of 4.5% year-over-year, while desktop shipments rose moderately at 1.8%. Workstations emerged as the shining star of this market, exhibiting remarkable growth at 10.9%. The fourth quarter of 2024 was particularly noteworthy, with an overall market growth of 6.9%, and notebooks leading the charge with a robust 9.6% increase.
Consumer engagement with premium notebooks surged as well, showcasing a 13.8% growth in 2024. Simultaneously, the consumer and commercial segments contributed positively, with respective growth rates of 2.6% and 5.1%. The enterprise and government sectors, however, displayed even more promising figures with a notable 10.6% growth, indicating a healthy appetite for corporate investment in technology.
HP once again dominated the Indian PC market, capturing an extensive 30.1% market share in 2024. However, it also displayed a dichotomy where its consumer segment faced a decline of 7.5%, largely due to intensified competition, especially from e-commerce platforms. Conversely, HP’s enterprise and government segments thrived, enjoying remarkable growth rates of 14.7% and 14.3%, paving a solid path for the company’s overall stability.
Lenovo secured the second position with a 17.2% market share, benefiting from consistent performance across its consumer and commercial segments, which grew by 7% and 7.4% respectively. This growth can be attributed to strategic resource allocation towards eTailers and substantial shipments to enterprise clients.
Dell positioned itself third with a market share of 16.1%, followed closely by Acer, which captured 15.1%. Interestingly, Acer experienced the most significant growth among the top five vendors, skyrocketing by an astounding 48.4% in the consumer sector, driven primarily by aggressive pricing strategies and well-timed discounts. Asus clinched the fifth place with a modest 7% market share, maintaining a steady channel inventory while emphasizing growth in the commercial sector, recorded at 18.4%.
The burgeoning demand for gaming and AI-powered PCs appears to be a pivotal factor driving the increase in consumer engagement. According to Bharath Shenoy, IDC Research Manager, there has been a “substantial increase” in shipments of AI-powered devices since mid-2024. The rise in affordable AI PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors and AMD Ryzen AI processors has significantly appealed to a broader audience looking for enhanced capabilities without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President of Devices Research at IDC India, attributes the commercial market’s growth to a robust refresh cycle fueled by public sector purchases and healthy order books. This indicates that many of the PCs purchased during 2020-2021 are reaching an age where replacements are becoming essential.
However, it is important to note that the weakening rupee could lead to higher device costs, posing challenges for price-sensitive segments such as small and medium-sized businesses and individual consumers.
The Indian PC market in 2024 reflects a blend of resilience and dynamic growth, driven by strategic investments, innovative technologies, and changing consumer demands. While leading manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, and Acer continue to navigate competitive challenges, the overall outlook remains optimistic. Moving forward, sustained growth is anticipated as businesses and consumers alike seek to upgrade and expand their technological capabilities. The continued evolution of AI and gaming will likely keep driving the demand in the PC ecosystem, positioning India as a significant player in the global technology landscape.
Overall, the blend of investment in public sectors and innovation in PC offerings promises to bolster the market’s growth in the years ahead. As India continues to transform into a digital economy, the role of PCs will undoubtedly remain pivotal.
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