Smart TV boom drives record device launches in India during May 2026: Techarc

India recorded 80 consumer-device launches in May 2026, the highest for the month on record, with smart televisions accounting for the majority of introductions as brands doubled down on larger screens, premium features and local manufacturing.

India's consumer technology market witnessed a record number of device launches in May 2026, with 80 new products introduced across smartphones, smart TVs, laptops and tablets, according to data released by technology research firm Techarc. The figure marks a 48% increase over the 54 launches recorded in May 2025 and represents the highest number of launches for any May tracked by the firm's India Devices Launchboard.

When individual variants are included, the total number of product introductions reached 92 SKUs during the month. However, the surge was driven overwhelmingly by one category: smart televisions.

Smart TVs lead the growth story

Smart TVs accounted for 56 of the 80 launches in May, making up nearly 70% of all new devices introduced during the month. The category more than doubled from 27 launches in May 2025 and rose significantly from 37 launches in May 2024.

The data points to a growing consumer preference for larger displays. Televisions sized 65 inches and above emerged as the most active segment, contributing 21 launches. The average screen size of newly launched TVs climbed to 65.3 inches, compared with 45.5 inches two years ago when smaller models dominated the market.

Samsung emerged as the most active brand in the category with 29 launches, while Tizen became the leading smart TV operating platform. The report also highlighted a sharp increase in premium specifications, with 89% of television launches offering 4K or higher resolution.

Local manufacturing continued to gain momentum, with 95% of smart TVs launched in May 2026 produced in India, a significant jump from just 11% in May 2024.

Smartphones show mixed trends

The smartphone segment registered 18 launches, its strongest May performance in three years. However, the market showed a clear shift toward affordability, with a larger number of budget-oriented models entering the market.

While the median launch price remained around ₹25,499, the premium segment also expanded, with the highest-priced smartphone launch touching ₹1.7 lakh. Battery capacities continued to increase, averaging more than 6,400mAh, while Qualcomm regained leadership in chipset adoption. Motorola was the most active smartphone brand during the month.

Meanwhile, laptop launches declined to five from 15 a year earlier, though Qualcomm-powered devices accounted for the majority of new introductions, reflecting growing interest in AI-ready Copilot+ PCs. Tablet launches continued to shrink, falling to just one device during the month.

Commenting on the findings, Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst and Founder, Techarc, said: “May 2026 looks busier than any May before it, but the momentum is being written in living rooms, not pockets. Large-screen, Made-in-India televisions have moved from the exception to the default, while the smartphone market is visibly splitting toward budget and ultra-premium. For brands planning the next cycle, the choice of where to play has rarely been clearer.”