Budget 2026 is about to come and one question that is troubling everyone is whether the prices of smartphones will increase or decrease in 2026 after the budget comes? Like every year, this time too there are high expectations that some relief can be provided from the budget and everyday essentials can become cheaper. Smartphone has no longer become a luxury but a basic necessity.
Last year, many Indian brands have entered the Indian smartphone market, giving tough competition to Chinese companies. While Chinese companies have kept the prices stable, Samsung has increased the prices of some models at the end of the year. This has increased the concern whether we may see further increase in prices after the upcoming budget?
According to India TV, industry experts say that due to the increasing global demand for artificial intelligence, there is a shortage of essential components like memory chips, which is putting pressure on the global supply chain. This has increased the production cost for smartphone manufacturing companies, leaving them less scope to adjust expenses without increasing prices.
Additionally, companies are also avoiding making smartphones too expensive, because high prices can distort market dynamics and impact demand. Madhav Seth, former CEO of Realme and founder of Nxtquantum Shift Technologies, said, India's technology sector is at a critical juncture. He says that due to the increasing demand for AI integrated devices, the prices of phones have increased.
Experts say India should move up the value chain by producing key smartphone components like camera modules, batteries, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other critical parts. There also needs to be an emphasis on research and development, system design and software-based innovation.
Currently, most smartphones are assembled in India, but critical parts are still imported. Industry people say that targeted tax incentives and policy support in the budget can promote domestic manufacturing of these parts. Such steps can help control costs, keep smartphone prices stable and in some cases even reduce prices.
There is little chance of an immediate and major price cut due to global supply pressure, but the direction set by the Union Budget could play a key role in deciding whether smartphones will become costlier or cheaper in the long run.
