India’s budget smartphone market slumps as premium devices lean on financing
India smartphone shipments fell 10% year on year in Q2 2026, led by a 45% drop in sub-₹15,000 models. Rising component costs and weaker discretionary spending are squeezing entry-tier demand, while premium brands are finding relative resilience through EMI and NBFC financing.
India smartphone shipments fell 10% in Q2 2026 as sub-₹15,000 devices plunged 45% amid rising prices and weak discretionary spending. Premium demand held up through financing, while Apple faced inventory-led shipment declines and Samsung posted growth.
Why this matters
The market slowdown follows reports of a supply-led speed bump in Apple’s India iPhone growth and possible iPhone 17 price increases. Reports of iPhone 18 Pro Max pricing up to ₹1.70 lakh further raise the importance of financing for premium demand.
Retail-company signals are accelerating, up 565700% QoQ.