Why phone prices in India keep rising in 2026, and what to do
Phone prices in India rose about 16% in H1 2026 and the iPhone 17 now costs ₹17,000 more than at launch. Who pays most, and whether to wait for Diwali.
Phone prices in India are rising in 2026 because memory chips have become expensive and the rupee is weaker. Counterpoint Research puts the average rise at 16% in the first half of the year, and our iPhone 17 page shows ₹99,900 for 256GB, ₹17,000 above its ₹82,900 launch price. Here is who pays more, by how much, and what to do before Diwali on 8 November.
Why are phone prices rising in India in 2026?
Memory is the main reason. Counterpoint Research says AI data centres are soaking up the supply of DRAM (the working memory a phone uses to run apps) and NAND (the flash storage that holds your photos), so makers pay more for every gigabyte they put in a phone. A weaker rupee adds to the bill, because many parts are bought in dollars.
Counterpoint expects memory prices to stay high until 2028, so this is not a one-festival blip. Makers rarely explain the changes: Samsung has not said why it raised prices this month, and Indian reports date the iPhone 17 increase to September without any announcement from Apple. The price just moves on the maker’s store.
How much more do phones cost than at launch?
Between ₹2,000 and ₹17,000 more on the three phones below, and the iPhone 17 is the steepest at 20.5% for the same 256GB model. Samsung’s cheaper phones have moved in smaller steps, but they keep coming.
| Phone and version | Launch price | Today’s price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17, 256GB | ₹82,900 | ₹99,900 | +₹17,000 (20.5%) |
| Galaxy A27 5G, 6GB + 128GB | ₹31,999 | ₹35,999 | +₹4,000 (12.5%) |
| Galaxy M47 5G, 6GB + 128GB | ₹35,999 (before 11 October) | ₹37,999 | +₹2,000 (5.6%) |
The Galaxy A27 5G needs a note. Samsung’s launch table listed net prices after a ₹3,000 bank cashback, starting at ₹28,999, while its own launch visual quotes ₹31,999 for the 6GB + 128GB version before that cashback. Like for like, the phone now costs ₹4,000 more than it did in June.
The Galaxy M47 5G and Galaxy F70 Pro 5G each rose by ₹2,000 on 11 October, as we reported in our story on Samsung’s latest increase. Several outlets also reported a ₹3,000 rise for both on 9 September, so the total since September is roughly ₹5,000, though starting prices differ between reports.
Which phones are hit hardest?
Cheap and mid-range phones, because memory is a bigger share of what they cost to build. Counterpoint says phones under ₹10,000 rose about 32% on average in the first half of 2026, and shipments in that band fell 65% against last year. Shipments between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 fell 20%.
Techarc’s festive study points the same way. It found that 69% of phones launched in 2026 now sell above their launch price, and only 7% have cut it. In 2025 the reverse was true, with cuts outnumbering rises.
| Price band | Change against last festive season |
|---|---|
| Entry (up to ₹12,000) | 18.5% dearer |
| Mid-range (₹12,000 to ₹25,000) | 24.4% dearer |
| Luxe (above ₹1,00,000) | 3.5% cheaper |
Only the very top is getting cheaper. Techarc’s chief analyst Faisal Kawoosa says the discount ladder has inverted, and that “a flat price is already a concession this year.”
Will festive sales bring prices down before Diwali?
Do not count on deep cuts. Our price drops page lists no price cuts today, 21 October, and says prices are holding steady. Festive sales will mostly bring bank cashback and no-cost EMI, which change what you pay this month but not the price on the box. Our no-cost EMI explainer shows what that really costs.
Should you buy now or wait?
If your phone costs under ₹25,000, buy when you need it: Techarc’s numbers say waiting has not paid in 2026. If you are looking at a flagship, a festive offer is more plausible, since that is the only band getting cheaper, but do not delay a phone you need on a hope.
One practical way to save: pick the lowest memory version you will be happy with for three years. On the Galaxy A27 5G, the 8GB + 128GB version costs ₹5,000 more than the 6GB + 128GB (₹40,999 against ₹35,999, today’s prices on our page). That is poor value unless you keep phones for four years; the 6GB version is the better buy. Storage steps are pricey for the same reason, as we showed in our look at what double the storage costs.
If your budget stops at ₹40,000, our best phones under ₹40,000 list shows what is still on sale, and our upcoming phones calendar shows launches that may reset prices.
Quick answers
Why have phone prices gone up in India?
Memory chips cost more because AI data centres are buying up supply, and a weaker rupee makes imported parts dearer, according to Counterpoint Research. Makers pass that on.
Will phone prices fall after Diwali?
Probably not by much. Counterpoint expects memory prices to stay high until 2028, and our price tracker shows no cuts today. Expect cashback offers rather than lower prices.
Which phones have risen the most?
Budget phones. Counterpoint puts the average rise under ₹10,000 at about 32% this year, and Techarc says mid-range phones are 24.4% dearer than last festive season.
