Higher smartphone prices are pushing Indian buyers toward EMIs, repairs and refurbished devices
Rising component costs and AI-led memory shortages are lifting handset prices, but demand remains resilient ahead of the 2026 festive season. A Counterpoint Research survey of 2,000-plus consumers finds buyers are stretching budgets, seeking financing, switching brands and considering refurbished phones or repairs.
Rising component costs and AI-led RAM/ROM shortages are lifting Indian smartphone prices. Consumers are responding through higher budgets, EMI financing, brand or OS switching, refurbished purchases and repairs, while awaiting festive discounts, exchange offers and easier finance.
Why this matters
The signal follows reports of a 10% India smartphone-market decline, a 10% Q2 shipment fall and the worst June quarter in six years as memory costs hit budget phones.
Retail-company signals are accelerating, up +566650% QoQ.