Tech Beetle briefing IN AI

Is AI the new must-have smartphone feature? New survey has the answer

Essential brief

A recent CyberMedia Research (CMR) report reveals that AI capabilities are becoming a key factor for Indian consumers when selecting smartphones, especially among younger users. The CMR Smartphone

Key topics

ai must-have smartphone feature survey answer CyberMedia Research Indian CMR Smartphone AI Pulse 2026

Key facts

AI capabilities are becoming a key factor in smartphone purchases among Indian consumers, especially Gen Z.

Transparent data practices and on-device AI processing are important for user trust and privacy.

Photography and generative AI features are the most commonly used AI applications on smartphones.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of chipsets on AI performance and prefer on-device AI over cloud-based solutions.

Highlights

82% of respondents said transparent data practices improve confidence in AI smartphone features.

61% believe on-device AI offers better privacy and faster performance than cloud AI.

72% of Gen Z and 65% of millennials consider AI important in their next smartphone purchase.

77% regularly use AI-powered imaging tools; 71% use generative AI features weekly.

68% recognize processors affect AI capabilities, with 83% awareness among Gen Z users.

Why it matters

The increasing emphasis on AI features in smartphones reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities towards intelligent, privacy-conscious technology. As AI capabilities become central to user experience, manufacturers may need to focus more on integrating advanced AI processing and transparent data practices to meet evolving demands. This trend also signals a growing awareness of hardware's role in AI performance, influencing future smartphone design and marketing strategies.

Artificial intelligence is no longer just an additional feature but a significant influence on smartphone purchasing decisions among Indian consumers, according to the CyberMedia Research (CMR) Smartphone AI Pulse 2026 report. The study surveyed more than 2,000 smartphone users aged 18 to 35 from eight Indian cities, revealing a shift in consumer focus from hardware specifications to AI capabilities, privacy, and overall experience.

The report found that 82 percent of respondents believe transparent data practices would increase their confidence in AI-powered smartphone features. Additionally, 61 percent favored on-device AI processing, citing better privacy and faster performance compared to cloud-based AI services.

AI features are becoming a priority, especially among younger users. About 72 percent of Gen Z respondents indicated that AI will play an important role in their next smartphone purchase, compared to 65 percent of millennials. Performance remains the top purchase criterion at 78 percent, followed by camera quality enhanced by AI (70 percent), and AI features themselves (59 percent). Furthermore, 60 percent of buyers seek a balance between powerful hardware and AI capabilities, while 25 percent identify as AI-first buyers. Only 15 percent still prioritize traditional hardware over AI.

Photography continues to be the most common AI use case, with 77 percent of respondents regularly using AI-powered imaging tools such as scene optimization and low-light enhancement. Additionally, 71 percent reported frequent use of generative AI features for tasks like search, writing assistance, translation, and summarization.

The report also highlights growing consumer awareness of the role chipsets play in AI performance. Approximately 68 percent of respondents acknowledged that processors impact AI capabilities including gaming performance, image processing, responsiveness, and battery optimization. This awareness is highest among Gen Z users, reaching 83 percent. Consumers are increasingly attentive to how AI is processed on devices rather than relying solely on cloud-based services.

Key topics in this update include ai, must-have smartphone feature, and survey.