Counterpoint: 46% of Indian smartphone buyers will pay more for their preferred handset

A Counterpoint survey of more than 2,000 consumers signals resilient smartphone demand despite price hikes. As replacement cycles lengthen, retailers can sway conversion through financing, exchange offers, discounts and after-sales support; 25% of shoppers may delay if prices rise further.

— Filed Fri, 24 Jul, 2026, 20:31 IST · Source ET Small Business · Updated

Counterpoint survey finds Indian smartphone demand resilient despite price hikes: 46% of consumers would pay more for preferred devices. Retailers gain influence through financing, exchange offers, discounts and after-sales support as replacement cycles lengthen.

Why this matters

The survey points to resilient preference-led demand after Counterpoint reported India smartphone shipments fell 10% in Q2 and budget phones slumped as buyers traded up to premium devices.

Retail-brand signals are accelerating, up 351900% QoQ.