Mobile technology is not an exception to the way artificial intelligence has revolutionized several industries. While earlier innovations like flexible screens, touchscreen interfaces, and 5G connection drove the development of smartphones, artificial intelligence is now driving a more significant and fundamental shift. Today, the real test of a smartphone’s development is how intelligent it is by nature. Even while AI has always been a part of mobile, many brands have used it as a result of its recent rise to prominence. Nevertheless, very few are actually utilizing all of its potential.
Companies who understand the AI revolution’s pivotal role in influencing the direction of smartphones and changing consumer tastes, such as iQOO, Tecno, and Infinix, are actively embracing it and incorporating cutting-edge AI features into their products such as on-device generative AI capabilities, intelligent photography, and real-time translation, not only to remain competitive but also to satisfy the increasing need for more intelligent, customised user experiences. Their dedication demonstrates a thorough awareness of how consumers’ purchasing habits are changing, with a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence-powered innovation, efficiency, and utility.
“While AI has existed for years, but now that it’s a trend, many brands are simply harping on it. At iQOO, we see AI not as a trend, but as a transformative layer that meaningfully enhances everyday experiences—be it performance optimization, smart imaging, or personalized interactions. Our goal is to make meaningful AI features accessible across our portfolio. We’ve already integrated tools like AI Photo Enhance, AI Image Expander, AI Erase, Note Assist, and Call Translation to simplify everyday tasks and make them faster and more seamless. Young users—students and professionals alike—are increasingly turning to AI for convenience,” Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO told Financial Express.
AI smartphone market share:
The global market for AI smartphones is experiencing a significant boom. Shipments of generative AI-enabled smartphones are expected to jump by a remarkable 364% in the next two years, hitting an estimated 234.2 million units in 2024, according to IDC.
This rapid growth is fueled by advancements in chipset technology and increasing consumer desire for intelligent, AI-powered features. Adding to this trend, Canalys predicts that by 2025, almost 28% of all new smartphones will come equipped with generative AI capabilities, underscoring the industry’s strong focus on innovation and delivering smarter mobile experiences.
Smartphone makers focussing hardware innovation while transforming AI:
Smartphone manufacturers are really stepping up their game by integrating AI into our everyday lives in addition to providing cutting-edge technology. They understand that the future is about developing intelligent tools that simplify daily activities, increase productivity, and provide genuinely customized experiences—not just about having amazing specs. These companies are creating products that are not just strong but also highly intuitive and centered on our needs by truly incorporating AI.
“In India, where diversity is our strength, this means designing AI that speaks the language of a billion people, literally. Our focus spans two layers: globally, where we’re embedding AI seamlessly into our core experiences, like optimizing call clarity so you’re heard effortlessly. Locally, we’re pioneering R&D to democratize AI in native Indian languages, ensuring it empowers not just few English speakers but everyone. The response to devices like the TECNO Pova Curve 5G, which balances intuitive AI with hardware reliability, proves that innovation thrives when it’s invisible yet indispensable,” Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO noted.
Awareness around AI features in smartphones:
In India, people are really catching on to what AI can do in their smartphones. This is happening because more and more folks are getting smartphones, they’re super comfortable with technology, and digital literacy is on the rise. Users are getting savvier about how AI makes their daily lives easier—think smarter cameras, helpful voice assistants, longer battery life, and content that’s just for them. With brands actively pushing AI features and even putting them in more affordable phones, Indian consumers aren’t just seeing the value of AI, they’re actually looking for it when they decide which phone to buy.
“As the lines between utility and entertainment continue to blur, AI is playing an increasingly pivotal role in enabling smoother, more refined user experiences. We believe in the vast potential of AI—including features of One-Tap Infinix AI like Circle to Search, AI Call Assistant, and Writing Assistant—transforming everyday use and boosting productivity,” Anish Kapoor, CEO at Infinix India added.
Not just smartphone brands, chip makers are also prioritizing AI:
It’s not just the phone makers; the chip manufacturers are totally clued in on how big a deal AI is becoming for our mobile devices. Big players like Qualcomm and MediaTek are pouring tons of money into creating super-advanced chips with special AI engines. These engines can handle complicated tasks right there on your phone, without needing to connect to the internet.
This means your phone can do things like process images in real-time, understand your voice commands, predict what you’re going to do next, and even boost security – all lightning fast. By baking powerful, energy-efficient AI directly into the hardware, these chip makers are essentially building the bedrock for a whole new era of genuinely smart smartphones.
“Smartphones are becoming increasingly intelligent and immersive due to the advancement of AI, resulting in higher on-device computing demands. AI enhances the user experience through seamless multitasking and offers improved acceleration capabilities for select applications, such as image classification, natural language processing, and speech-to-text. At MediaTek, we are embedding powerful AI capabilities directly into our chipsets, from advanced on-device language processing to real-time image enhancement and intelligent power management,” Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India said.
As per Qualcomm, from personalized user experiences and smarter cameras to advanced voice assistants and predictive performance optimization, AI is reshaping the very definition of a smartphone for Indian consumers. This shift reflects a growing demand for devices that are not just smart but intuitively responsive to individual needs, marking a new era of AI-centric innovation.
“AI is no longer a supporting feature; it’s fast becoming the mainstream centrepiece of smartphone buying decisions. Apart from traditional benchmarks like battery life, camera quality, and display, our consumer insights indicate a clear pivot; users now prioritize how intelligently a device can understand, adapt, and respond to their needs. AI is becoming the new user interface, transforming how we search, create, and interact with our phones,” Saurabh Arora, Head of Mobile, Compute, and XR Business, Qualcomm India concluded.
