New Delhi: India’s smartphone market has slowed sharply at the start of 2026, with shipments dropping to their lowest level in six years, according to new data from Counterpoint Research.
The report shows that smartphone shipments fell by about three percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year. Analysts say the decline is mainly due to rising prices and weak demand, especially in the budget and mid range segments.
One of the key reasons behind the slowdown is the steady increase in smartphone prices. Industry data shows that many popular models have become more expensive in recent months, as companies face higher costs for components such as memory chips and deal with global supply pressures. These cost increases have been passed on to consumers, making phones less affordable for many buyers.
As a result, people are delaying upgrades and holding on to their existing devices for longer. This trend has affected entry level and mid range smartphones the most, where buyers are more sensitive to price changes.
At the same time, the premium segment continues to show resilience. Brands like Apple Inc. and Google have recorded growth in higher priced devices, driven by demand for advanced features and artificial intelligence capabilities. This suggests a shift in the market from volume driven sales to value driven purchases.
Among the leading brands, Vivo remained at the top in terms of market share, followed by Samsung Electronics and Oppo.
The slowdown in India also reflects a broader global trend. The smartphone industry worldwide has been facing pressure due to rising component costs and changing consumer behaviour. Increased demand for memory chips from sectors such as artificial intelligence has further pushed up prices, adding to the challenges.
Experts warn that the coming months could be more difficult for the industry. Prices are expected to rise further, and shipments may continue to decline in the next quarter. Companies may respond by focusing more on premium devices and cutting back on cheaper models.
The latest figures highlight a growing gap between rising smartphone prices and consumer spending power, raising concerns about how quickly the market can recover in the months ahead.