"As a considerably big-ticket item, laptops are one of the most researched products in consumer electronics. Customers seek specific configurations and capabilities based on how they will use the device and because people tend to keep laptops for a longer duration, they compare thoroughly before committing. What the survey tells us is that specs matter more than a brand name for these buyers which is an exciting opportunity for every manufacturer. AI has also emerged as a clear need making on-device assistants and AI-processing chips top their wish list. The Best in Tech Survey gives us clear inputs directly from customers and the Best in Tech Awards will recognise brands delivering on what customers are truly looking for this upcoming festive season", said Zeba Khan, Director - Consumer Electronics, Amazon India.
Laptop buyers prioritise performance
Processor performance leads the decision at 87% ranking it first, followed by RAM and storage, then battery life. 58% say upcoming AI features will be "extremely useful" for their productivity, a higher proportion than in any other consumer electronics category surveyed. The most-wanted capabilities reflect this: on-device AI assistants at 28%, fast AI-processing chips at 25% and AI-powered content creation and editing at 23%. Real-time transcription and translation capabilities follow at 17%.
More laptop buyers would pick better specs over a familiar brand
53% of laptop buyers said they would choose a different brand offering better specifications at the same price and a further 15% said they are drawn to new innovation and design. Most buyers (48%) compare two to three brands before deciding, while only 18% go in with one brand already in mind.
3 in 4 buyers are considering laptops upwards of ₹40,000 or more
Half of laptop buyers are considering a device in the ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 range, with the ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 band leading at 28% and ₹60,000 to ₹80,000 at 22%. At the top end, 14% are considering ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000 and 12% are looking above ₹1,00,000. Just 24% are shopping under ₹40,000. Most buyers compare two to three brands before deciding and nearly quarter research for more than two months. Only 18% go in with one brand already in mind. Reviews and ratings carry more weight than price and deals at the point of decision.
For tablet buyers, display size matters the most
No other category in the survey has a single feature dominate this clearly. 74% of tablet buyers rank display size and quality first, with price at 12% and processor at 9% a distant second and third. The tablet decision is overwhelmingly, a screen decision. That focus shows in the price band- 59% of consideration sits in the ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 premium mid-range, where the display quality justifies the step up from a budget device. Buyers are also clear about why they want a tablet in the first place- a more affordable alternative to a laptop at 29%, media consumption at 21% and portability for work on the move at 17%.
The first set of findings from the Best in Tech Survey revealed last week stated that AI features now shape the purchase decision for 82% of smartphone buyers on Amazon.in. While AI has become a baseline expectation, performance, battery and camera remain the most influential purchase drivers. One in three respondents are considering ₹50,000 or more for their next upgrade and nearly half plan to upgrade within three months. When making that decision, reviews and ratings matter more than price and deals.
The Best in Tech Survey was conducted across categories within consumer technology, including smartphones, laptops and tablets, home entertainment and appliances, and wearables and audio. This is the second in a series of findings being released in the run-up to the Best in Tech Awards.