India’s Smartphone Market Set for AI-Driven Boom: Qualcomm Sees “Next G Moment” as On-Device Intelligence Goes Mass-Market

After years of sluggish growth, India’s smartphone market is entering a transformative phase powered by on-device artificial intelligence (AI). Qualcomm India President Savi Soin described this revolution as the “next G moment” — a leap comparable to the transitions from 3G to 4G to 5G. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2025, Soin said AI is no longer limited to premium handsets and is now cascading into affordable, mass-market devices, redefining how users engage with their phones. “Next year, you will see devices that are much more than just flagships,” he noted. India lies at the heart of this transformation, with Qualcomm driving localized AI innovations such as regional-language assistants, smart glasses, and automotive applications. The company envisions India as a global leader in extended reality (XR) adoption, given its tech-savvy population and strong digital infrastructure. Beyond devices, Qualcomm is partnering with the Indian government and local developers to strengthen edge AI capabilities, ensuring data processing occurs directly on devices instead of the cloud. This approach not only enhances performance but also boosts privacy and security. Soin also praised India’s policy push — from the semiconductor mission to PLI for handsets — as critical in nurturing a self-reliant innovation ecosystem. Qualcomm is engaging with local partners, mentoring startups, and investing through Qualcomm Ventures to build a robust semiconductor and component manufacturing base. “With its talent, infrastructure, and policy support, India is poised to become a global hub for AI, semiconductors, and connected devices,” Soin said. “We’re just getting started with what we’re doing in India — from smartphones and PCs to cars and wearables.” #AIRevolution #QualcommIndia #NextGMoment #OnDeviceAI #MakeInIndia #EdgeAI #IndiaMobileCongress2025 #DigitalIndia #Smartphones #SemiconductorMission