Smartphone prices in India are climbing in every segment. Ahead of the 2026 festive season, entry prices rose 32% and base prices 14.4% as memory costs forced brands to reprice, and brands are launching fewer models at higher prices. 54% of festive-period demand is at risk if prices keep rising.
By Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst and Co-founder · Read the full analysis
India's smartphone market spent 2026 repricing itself. Memory costs rose sharply, and brands passed them on: ahead of the festive season, entry prices rose 32% and base prices 14.4%. The entry segment's value climbed 17.6% even as some upper segments cut prices to court high-income buyers.
Brands responded by launching fewer models at higher prices. Festive sale discounts did not undo the pre-season hikes on most models, and the joint consumer study by Trakin Tech and Techarc found 54% of festive-period demand at risk if prices keep rising.
Memory costs rose sharply, so brands repriced their portfolios. Entry prices rose 32% and base prices 14.4% ahead of the festive season, according to Techarc's price tracking.
On most models, no. Techarc's study found festive discounts did not undo the price hikes made before the season.
54% of festive-period demand, according to the joint consumer study by Trakin Tech and Techarc.
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