Amazon India Survey: 82 Percent Buyers Prioritize AI Features in Smartphones

The landscape of the Indian smartphone market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence, while according to the latest Best in Tech Survey released by Amazon India in July 2026, a remarkable 82 percent of consumers now base their purchasing decisions on the availability of AI features. This comprehensive survey, which gathered insights from more than 40,000 participants, indicates that AI has moved from being a futuristic concept to a core requirement for mobile users. The data suggests that people are no longer satisfied with just high megapixels or large RAM; they want their devices to be smarter and more intuitive in handling daily chores.

The Most Demanded AI Features

The survey highlights a clear preference for practical AI applications that offer real-world utility. Among the 82 percent of users looking for AI, 25 percent identified contextual assistance as their top priority. This feature enhances the user experience by understanding the context of what is happening on the screen and offering relevant suggestions, such as quick replies to messages or information retrieval based on screen content. Generative photo editing follows closely, with 18 percent of respondents wanting tools that can intelligently modify and enhance images. Visual search is another popular feature, favored by 17 percent of participants. Interestingly, 11 percent of users are looking for adaptive battery management, showing that AI is also expected to solve traditional hardware limitations like power consumption through intelligent optimization.

Performance and Battery: The Core Essentials

Despite the growing fascination with AI, the survey confirms that fundamental performance remains non-negotiable for the vast majority of buyers. A significant 87 percent of customers still consider overall phone performance as the most critical factor when choosing a device. Battery life is the second most important aspect for 79 percent of buyers, while 77 percent prioritize camera quality. The survey also shed light on current user dissatisfaction, revealing that 22 percent of people are unhappy with the battery life of their current devices. Complaints regarding camera quality and general performance were also noted, emphasizing that while AI is the new attraction, it must be built on a foundation of solid and reliable hardware.

The Shift Towards Premium Smartphones

One of the most striking revelations of the survey is the increasing willingness of Indian consumers to invest in high-end devices. One in every three customers is now looking to spend more than 50,000 rupees on their next smartphone. Specifically, 15 percent of buyers are targeting the 50,000 to 75,000 rupees price bracket, while 17 percent are planning to spend over 75,000 rupees. The most popular segment remains the 25,000 to 50,000 rupees range, which attracts 42 percent of the market. Conversely, the demand for budget phones priced below 15,000 rupees has dwindled Notably, with only 7 percent of respondents showing interest in this category, signaling a clear move towards the premiumization of the market.

Changing Upgrade Cycles and Regional Trends

The survey also points to a change in how long people keep their phones and where the demand is coming from. About 54 percent of customers now use their mobile devices for two years or more before considering a replacement. However, there is a strong immediate demand for new technology, as 48 percent of respondents plan to upgrade their phones within the next three months. Geographically, the craze for expensive smartphones is no longer limited to metropolitan areas. While 18 percent of buyers in metro cities are interested in phones priced above 75,000 rupees, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities aren't far behind, with 17 percent and 15 percent interest respectively. This indicates a growing aspiration for premium technology across the length and breadth of the country, with smaller cities rapidly catching up to metros in terms of high-value tech consumption.