India Smartphone Prices Jump 16% in First Half of 2026; Market Seen Shrinking Double Digits
Counterpoint Research said OnePlus kept its average increase to 8% as memory costs and a weaker rupee pushed the market higher.
- Average smartphone prices in India rose 16% in the first half of 2026, driven by soaring memory costs and a weaker rupee, market research firm Counterpoint Research reported.
- Although nearly 99% of mobile phones are assembled locally, manufacturers remain heavily reliant on imported parts, exposing them to currency fluctuations and global component shortages.
- Entry-Level devices under 10,000 experienced price hikes averaging roughly 32%, causing shipments to plunge 65% year-over-year, while premium smartphones priced above 20,000 continued to grow.
- OnePlus managed to keep its average price hike to just 8%, avoiding the industry trend by securing components early, Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak said.
- Pricing pressure on hardware makers is unlikely to abate anytime soon as Counterpoint estimates that memory costs will remain elevated through at least 2028.
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The Economic Times
Times of IndiaIndia smartphone prices jump 16% in first half of 2026; market seen shrinking double digits
Average smartphone selling prices in India rose by 16% year-over-year in the first half of 2026. OnePlus, however, managed to keep its price increase to just 8%, distinguishing itself from competitors. Entry-level devices saw an average price increase of 32%, resulting in a significant 65% drop in shipments. Meanwhile, premium smartphones priced above Rs 20,000 continued to grow, benefiting from trade-in programs.
Smartphone prices in India up by 16%, entry-level phone shipments fall by record 65%: Study
The Indian smartphone market is witnessing a price surge. It's all because of the ongoing global memory crisis. A fresh report revealed that in the first half of 2026, the market saw a hefty 16 per cent price hike on average.
India’s sub-₹10,000 smartphone sales plunge 65% as prices jump 32% in H1 2026: Counterpoint
India’s sub-₹10,000 smartphone sales plunged 65% in H1 2026 as average prices jumped 32%, driven by rising memory costs, a weaker rupee and industry-wide price hikes. Discover how premium segments grew, why budget buyers are squeezed, and how OnePlus gained share despite the pressure.
Discover why 5G smartphone prices in India increased by up to 16% in 2026. Read the full report on chip shortages and rising costs. Check the details now!
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