Smartphone cameras continue to evolve in the age of AI. From being barely able to capture a clear image to being able to magically remove objects from an image, our smartphones have come a long way. With AI taking over the user experience, we wondered what's next for consumers.
At Gadgets 360, we're always focused on the latest trends in smartphone photography. Our latest survey, "Best AI and Camera Phone Survey 2024," zooms in on how camera features are shaping ownership patterns, buyer preferences, and usage experiences. With over 4,100 participants, the survey helped us develop a sharp picture of the market, with Motorola coming into clear focus as a rising star.
Let's take a closer look at the snapshot it provides.
Motorola develops the third-largest share in the viewfinder
According to the survey, Motorola has captured the third spot in current smartphone ownership among respondents.
Samsung led the market with a 24.8% share of smartphone ownership among survey respondents. Vivo followed at 18.3%, with Motorola securing third place at 13.7%. However, future purchase intentions showed a significant shift. While Samsung maintained the lead with 20.3% of respondents planning to choose the brand for their next purchase, Motorola rose to second place with 16.4%, followed closely by Vivo at 14.8%.
Motorola set to zoom in on future market share
While Motorola currently holds 13.7 percent of the frame, 16.4 percent of our survey participants expressed intent to snap up a Motorola smartphone next.
Motorola's focus on photography and AI-driven innovations is directly meeting the rising demand for advanced camera features. The brand's commitment to cutting-edge technology appears to be resonating strongly with consumers looking for superior imaging experiences in their next smartphone.
Motorola's performance focus clicks with consumers
One reason for Motorola's sharp rise could be its focus on performance, which aligns with what consumers want to capture:
In the Rs 20,000 - Rs 30,000 range, processor and performance emerged as the top priority for 35.6% of respondents. Camera quality followed at 22.5%, with brand reputation at 11.7%. The priorities shifted slightly in the Rs 10,000 - Rs 20,000 range, where processor and performance still led at 26.1%, but battery and charging took second place at 19.6%, followed by camera quality at 16.4%.
Motorola's latest edge series exemplifies this focus on performance, featuring cutting-edge Snapdragon processors across the lineup. The Motorola edge50 Pro leads with the advanced Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, while the Motorola edge50 comes equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition, and the Motorola edge50 Fusion sports the efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. In the budget segment, the moto g85 5G and g45 5G models maintain this commitment to performance with their reliable Snapdragon processors, while the moto g64 5G stands out for its exceptional battery life with 6000mAh battery .
Camera capabilities bring purchasing decisions into focus
Our Best AI and Camera Phone Survey 2024 reveals a strong emphasis on camera features, an area where Motorola has been developing its exposure:
These closely matched percentages align perfectly with Motorola's approach to delivering a comprehensive camera experience. The brand's latest devices address all these key requirements through a well-balanced combination of hardware and software innovations, ensuring users don't have to compromise on any aspect of their photography needs.
Motorola has made significant strides in imaging technology, incorporating the premium Sony LYTIA 700C sensor across the Motorola edge50 series (Neo, Pro, and Fusion models). This commitment to superior imaging is further enhanced by Pantone-validated colour accuracy and motoAI technology in the Neo and Pro variants, delivering AI-enhanced photography capabilities that perfectly align with evolving consumer demands.
AI and advanced features gain exposure
Motorola's focus on AI and advanced camera features aligns with the growing appetite for computational photography:
37.2 percent of respondents use AI-enhanced photography either "sometimes" or "very frequently," revealing an opportunity that Motorola is actively addressing. The introduction of motoAI, particularly in the edge50 Neo at INR 20,999, brings advanced AI camera features to a more accessible price point, democratizing high-end photography capabilities for users who previously lacked access to such technology.
Intelligent Auto Focus Tracking is in the spotlight as the most desired AI camera feature, favoured by 39.2 percent of respondents.
The Motorola edge50 Neo and Motorola edge50 Pro's implementation of motoAI represents a significant step forward in making sophisticated AI photography accessible to a broader audience, offering features previously reserved for premium devices at more attainable price points.
45.8 percent consider a telephoto lens in mid-range smartphones "very important," indicating a demand for professional-grade features at accessible price points. The edge50 Neo stands out in this context, offering sophisticated telephoto capabilities that are rarely found in its price segment, making it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts seeking professional-grade zoom features without the premium price tag.
Video Shooting Habits
Video capture on smartphones showed varied frequency among users. 26.1% shot videos occasionally, while 24.8% did so daily. 19% reported capturing videos several times a week, and 11.1% rarely used this feature. These diverse usage patterns highlighted the need for versatile video capabilities across smartphone models.
The high percentage of daily video shooters (24.8%) underscores the importance of advanced stabilization and AI features in smartphones. Motorola's cutting-edge stabilization technology and AI-enhanced video capabilities make it an ideal choice for video enthusiasts who demand professional-quality results from their mobile devices.
Camera Influence on Purchasing Decisions
Camera capabilities significantly influenced smartphone purchasing decisions. 32.7% of respondents were extremely likely to choose a smartphone based on its camera features, while 19% were very likely to do so. However, 24.2% indicated they were less likely to base their decision primarily on camera capabilities. This split emphasised the varying importance of camera technology to different consumer segments.
Awareness of cutting-edge tech still developing
The Best AI and Camera Phone Survey 2024 reveals opportunities for brands to educate consumers on advanced smartphone camera technologies:
The Big Picture
Motorola has not only captured a significant share of the smartphone market but also positioned its viewfinder on substantial future growth. The brand's sharp focus on performance and camera capabilities aligns perfectly with what consumers are looking to capture in their next device. Motorola's commitment to AI-driven photography innovations and advanced video features positions it as a top choice for users who prioritize imaging capabilities in their smartphones.
This comprehensive survey provided valuable insights into the preferences and priorities of Indian smartphone consumers in 2024. It highlights the importance of performance, camera capabilities, and emerging technologies in shaping purchasing decisions. As the market continued to evolve, these insights promised to guide both consumers and manufacturers in navigating India's dynamic smartphone industry.
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