AI-ready phones gain buyer interest, while strong performance stays essential: Report

Indian smartphone buyers are showing growing curiosity about AI-first features, even as they continue to prioritise dependable performance and smooth everyday use, according to a report cited by *The Hindu*.

The report indicates that interest in AI is not limited to novelty. Many buyers are seeking specific, task-oriented capabilities—features that can make a phone feel more helpful in daily routines, from editing photos to finding information through the camera.

What buyers say they want from AI

The report highlights a clear shift: buyers are beginning to frame AI as a practical assistant rather than an experimental add-on.

Nearly **25%** of buyers surveyed said they want a phone that can **understand their needs and suggest actions**. This points to a preference for “assistive” AI—tools that anticipate next steps, offer relevant shortcuts, and reduce the number of taps needed to get things done.

In addition, **18%** said they want AI for **generative photo editing**, reflecting interest in features that can quickly improve images, adjust backgrounds, or refine portraits. Such tools can help users achieve better-looking results without needing professional editing skills.

Another **17%** cited **visual search** as a desired capability—using the phone’s camera to identify objects, locations, or items and then retrieve relevant information. For many users, this can turn the camera into a faster way to search, shop, learn, or translate.

Taken together, these preferences suggest that buyers are looking for AI that feels “built-in” to routine tasks: helping them communicate, create content, and find information more intuitively.

Performance still anchors purchase decisions

Even with rising interest in AI, the report underlines an important constant in the market: **performance remains a key ask**.

For most buyers, performance is not just about benchmark scores. It includes smooth app usage, quick switching between tasks, consistent camera responsiveness, stable connectivity, and efficient battery behaviour across a full day. When these fundamentals are in place, users are more likely to trust and use new AI features.

This balance also provides a constructive direction for the industry. It signals that buyers want innovation that is grounded in real utility—AI that runs reliably on-device, works well with core apps, and does not compromise the basics such as speed, storage, thermals, or power efficiency.

What this means for India’s smartphone ecosystem

For brands and manufacturers serving India—one of the world’s most competitive smartphone markets—the message is relatively clear: buyers welcome AI, but they expect it to be **useful, understandable, and dependable**.

In practical terms, this can encourage companies to:

• Focus on AI features that solve everyday needs (editing, search, assistance), not just demos
• Improve on-device processing to make AI faster and more private
• Optimise software so that AI adds convenience without slowing down the phone
• Communicate AI features in simpler language, with clear examples and controls

For consumers, this trend can be positive. Competition around meaningful AI and solid performance may lead to better long-term value—phones that last longer, feel smoother over time, and offer smarter tools for productivity and creativity.

**Why it matters:** As AI becomes more common in smartphones, India’s buyers are signalling a healthy, practical demand—smart features that genuinely help, backed by strong everyday performance. This can push the market towards more reliable, user-friendly innovation rather than gimmicks.