750 Million Smartphone Users In India Share One Common Fear: 'Battery About To Die'

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you start to panic or feel anxious when your phone’s battery turns red, you are not alone. A new report has revealed a concerning trend in India. It shows that nearly 90 per cent of smartphone users in the country experience a higher degree of low-battery anxiety when the battery level drops to between 50 per cent and 30 per cent. The latest India Smartphone Insights 2026 report by Counterpoint Research, in partnership with Flipkart, also revealed that user anxiety increased as the phone battery level dropped further.As per the survey, 72 per cent of Indians feel anxious when their phone battery falls below 20 per cent. This shows how deeply people now depend on their smartphones.

The data also showed that around 65 per cent of people experienced emotional discomfort when their phone battery drained. About 65 per cent are likely to replace their phone mainly for better battery performance. In terms of usage habits, 90 per cent charge their phone at least twice a day, while 40 per cent continue using their smartphone even while it is charging. It also found that 40 per cent of users check their smartphone first thing in the morning and last thing before going to bed.With over 750 million users, India stands as the world’s second-largest smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research . "Indian consumers on an average are are now spending almost 6 hours per day on their phones, one of the highest in the world. Phone is now an extension of one's own identity and our reliance on these devices are higher than ever before," Tarun pathak, Research Director, Counterpoint Research, told Times Now Tech.

"In such a scenario our survey found that battery anxiety is real and people have a real fear of running out of juice while on the go.That is why most people keep searching for charging opportunities and end up feeling anxious and worried about the thought of running out of battery and not being able to use their smartphones," he explained.According to him, the feeling of low-battery anxiety is the highest in the working age group of 31-40 followed by the 25-30 age group.Smartphones May Finally Fix The Battery Problem Everyone Hates

The report also shows a major shift in how Indians choose their smartphones. AI is now playing a key role in buying decisions. 89 per cent of users say AI features influence which phone they buy. This marks a big change from earlier, when most people focused mainly on price, storage or processor. Today, users are looking at how smart their phone is.More than half of users -- about 58 per cent-- say they use AI features every day. AI voice assistants are the most commonly used feature.Different groups are using AI in different ways. Younger users, especially Gen Z, use AI tools for content creation, editing photos and videos, coding help and even career guidance. Millennials are using AI for practical needs like planning trips, creating meal plans and styling suggestions. Many women users rely on AI for quick how-to searches, parenting tips and beauty routines.EMI Is Making Phones Easier To BuyAffordability is still a big factor in India but the way people manage it is changing.According to the report, about 43 per cent of users say they often choose EMI options when buying smartphones. Around 79 per cent agree that EMI makes it easier to afford a new phone.This clearly shows that while smartphones are becoming more expensive, financing options are helping users upgrade without paying the full amount upfront.