MAM
Indians prefer trendy features like AI camera while purchasing budget smartphone – itel survey
MUMBAI- AI camera remains to be the key aspect driving the purchasing decision of consumers buying budget smartphones, reveals the “Trend Survey by itel – What India Thinks About Smartphones” report. Thirty three per cent of consumers will consider this aspect, it highlighted. Other top features include drop notch display at 25 per cent followed by fingerprint sensor at 22 per cent.
The detailed study was done to understand and analyse consumer trends and preferences when it comes to smartphone usage in association with a credible national third party, reveals the no. 1 Smartphone brand in sub 5K segment in the offline channel from TRANSSION India.
The survey report also concludes an insightful preference for local language consumption. The probability of consuming content in one’s native language came out to be quite high. As per the report, 64 per cent of the respondents prefer to consume content in their local language.
The study evaluates and reports various dimensions of smartphone usage, consumer preferences in terms of features, favourite apps highlighting the key trends, favourability and significant consumption patterns across gender, age groups, regions and more. The survey highlighted a unique content consumption pattern on smartphones. The study mentioned 50 per cent of Indian smartphone users watched movies followed by 24 per cent on news. The vast majority of Indian youth around 88 per cent till the age of 24 watch movies exclusively on their smartphones.
In a country like India, where there are 450 million smartphone users, the significance of smartphone usage depends upon what value the smartphone provides in terms of features, the latest technology and most importantly the affordability factor. From content likability point of view, 56 per cent audience states that news gets them maximum traction on social media followed by 20 per cent around selfie posts, 14 per cent on travel and food at 10 per cent. From showcasing the trends to the depth of addiction, the survey tries to understand the behavioral patterns of smartphone usage.
The survey is conducted online across 4000 respondents in 13 states. The report cuts across age-groups and demographics: youth, regions, working sector, etc.
According to TRANSSION India CEO Arijeet Talapatra, “Smartphones remain at the centre of our lives be it in terms of consuming content and videos, exploring information, connecting with peers and friends or surfing social media platforms. As a brand that believes in providing trendy technology with A-class features at a budget-friendly price point, we commissioned this consumer trends survey to get relevant insights concerning the consumer patterns, choice and preferences when it comes smartphone usage. This study helped us understand that how quickly consumers are adopting advanced and innovative technology, hence it will further help us create and provide such technologically equipped and customised offering that will be loved by our customers.”
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
