India's tablet mkt clocks strongest growth in Q3: IDC

New Delhi: Fuelled by festive buying and strengthening commercial demand, India's tablet market reported its strongest third quarter growth so far during July-September 2014, said a report by International Data Corporation (IDC) on Friday. Tablet market shipments in India witnessed a strong quarter-on-quarter growth of 10 percent making it a 0.94-million-unit market.

"The initial phase of impulsive buying seems to have faded, as the consumers are more aware of the use case of tablets now. Therefore, the current size of the market looks more realistic and stable," Tanvi Mann, market analyst, IDC India said. Samsung led the tablet market in India, followed by Micromax and iBall.

With more than 90 percent market share in third quarter, Android is expected to dominate the market in the foreseeable future as well, IDC said, adding: "Windows-based tablets priced under $200 (Rs.12,390) are expected to accelerate the adoption rate, albeit from a low base."

"Due to continuous onslaught from the "Phablets" (which IDC defines as 5.5 inches-6.99 inches screen size smartphones), small screen tablets are taking a hit and there is more uptake on tablets which are screen-sized between 8-9 inches. This has, however, led to an overall improvement of the average selling price for the category," Kiran Kumar, research manager, client devices, IDC India said.

Owing to seasonality, there will be lesser intake in fourth quarter (October-December) 2014, IDC predicted. For 2015, however, the commercial segment is likely to grow in comparison to a stable consumer market. "Government projects and government-aided education projects should remain key to the growth in the commercial tablets," it said.

"We are likely to see increased activity by PC OEMs in the tablets space with a focus on the 7 inch and 8 inch form factor," Mann added.