After years of turbulence following the pandemic boom, India’s personal computer (PC) market is experiencing a remarkable revival. The quarter ending September 2024 marked a historic high for PC shipments, signaling renewed consumer confidence and a strong resurgence in business demand. According to research firm IDC, total PC shipments hit 4.9 million units, the highest ever for a single quarter in India.
What led to this turnaround, and which companies are emerging as the biggest winners? Let’s dive in.
The Big Bounce: How India’s PC Sales Fared in 2024
The PC market didn’t just recover—it soared. In the quarter ending September:
- Desktops, laptops, and workstations all grew between 10–14% year-on-year.
- Small and medium businesses played a huge role, replacing aging hardware as offices normalized hybrid and in-person workflows.
- The consumer segment alone shipped 2.8 million units, also a record.
A major contributor to the consumer surge was the timing: students and households waited for festive season discounts, particularly on notebooks, which continue to dominate personal PC purchases.
This revival isn’t simply a correction—it’s a sign of pent-up demand finally being released.
A Year of Ups and Downs: Not All Quarters Were Equal
Interestingly, 2024 didn’t start with the same momentum.
Between January and June:
- Overall PC sales were up 5.7% year-on-year, but
- Consumer shipments dropped 3.9% in the June quarter.
Why the slump?
- Retailers avoided ordering new inventory, instead clearing out older stock during summer sales.
- Fewer people were buying premium laptops (over $1,000), pushing retailers to focus on affordable options.
- Anticipation of Independence Day and festive-season deals meant consumers held off purchases until the second half of the year.
The result: a muted first half, followed by a record-breaking second half.
The Winners: Which PC Brands Are Riding the Wave?
HP: Still on Top, but Feeling the Pressure
HP retained its position as India’s largest PC brand with 26% market share.
However, the September quarter wasn’t smooth sailing—its consumer segment fell over 10% year-on-year. IDC notes that HP faced stiff competition, especially in:
- Premium laptops
- Entry-level budget devices
Newer and more aggressive brands are eating into its dominance.
Lenovo: Strong Performance, Steady Growth
Lenovo, India’s second-largest PC brand, saw its consumer sales jump over 14% in the same period. Its blend of affordability and reliability continues to attract mainstream buyers.
Asus: The Big Winner of 2024
Perhaps the most striking success story is Asus.
Now the second-largest consumer PC brand in India, Asus captured nearly 6% market share, thanks largely to:
- High-end gaming laptops
- Accessories tailored to gamers and creators
Its positioning resonates strongly with India’s booming gaming and content creator market.
As competition intensifies, brands offering specialization—gaming, premium experiences, or aggressive pricing—are reaping the rewards.
Where Is the PC Market Headed?
Corporate and Government Demand Will Remain Crucial
Institutional buying—especially from government departments and enterprises—continues to anchor the PC market. These bulk orders help stabilize shipment volumes, even when consumer demand dips.
Seasonality Will Shape Consumer Sales
A clear pattern is emerging:
- First half of the year: Retailers keep inventory low, anticipating slow demand.
- Second half: New launches + festival discounts = high sales.
This means budget and student-focused laptop sales may increasingly become seasonal events in India.
Feature-Rich Devices Will Drive Consumer Intent
Consumers are proving increasingly discerning. They’re willing to buy when:
- The device is feature-packed—like gaming laptops, or
- Prices are irresistible during sale periods.
Mid-tier and premium devices will continue to require smarter marketing and better timing.
Are Tablets Still a Threat to PCs?
Not really—at least not in 2024.
Tablet shipments (including iPads and Android slates):
- Dropped nearly one-third year-on-year in January–June.
- Samsung tablet shipments fell 38%.
- Apple’s iPad shipments fell 14%.
Why the decline?
- Government and enterprise orders—which used to support tablet sales—have slowed dramatically.
- Educational institutions, once a major buyer, have stopped issuing large tablet tenders.
- While regular consumers still buy tablets, the numbers are nowhere close to impacting PC shipments anymore.
The tablet market still has a place, but not as a PC replacement—not in India’s current landscape.
Takeaways: India’s PC Market Has Found Its Footing Again
After a rough couple of years post-pandemic, India’s PC market is showing impressive resilience and adaptability. The second half of 2024 has demonstrated:
- Strong consumer appetite—especially for notebooks and gaming machines
- Recovery driven by businesses refreshing their tech infrastructure
- A power shift among brands, with Asus emerging as a key disruptor
If these trends continue, India could enter a new era of cyclical but robust PC demand—where festive seasons and product innovation shape the market more than ever.
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Disclaimer
This article should not be interpreted as investment advice. For any investment decisions, consult a reputable financial advisor. The author and publisher are not responsible for any losses incurred by investors or traders based on the information provided.