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The 2026 budget is approaching, and a question that's bothering everyone is whether smartphone prices will increase or decrease after the budget is announced in 2026. As with every year, expectations are high that the budget might bring some relief and make everyday essentials more affordable. Smartphones are no longer a luxury but a basic necessity.

Last year, several Indian brands entered the Indian smartphone market, giving tough competition to Chinese companies. While Chinese companies have kept prices stable, Samsung increased the prices of some models towards the end of the year. This has raised concerns about whether further price hikes can be expected after the upcoming budget.

What do industry experts say?
According to India TV, industry experts say that the increasing global demand for artificial intelligence has led to a shortage of essential components like memory chips, putting pressure on the global supply chain. This has increased production costs for smartphone manufacturers, leaving them with little room to adjust expenses without raising prices.

At the same time, companies are also wary of making smartphones too expensive, as higher prices could disrupt market dynamics and impact demand. Madhav Sheth, former CEO of Realme and founder of Nxtquantum Shift Technologies, said that India's technology sector is at a crucial juncture. He stated that the increasing demand for AI-integrated devices has led to an increase in phone prices.

Things to focus on
Experts suggest that India should move up the value chain by manufacturing key smartphone components such as camera modules, batteries, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and other essential parts domestically. Emphasis should also be placed on research and development, system design, and software-based innovation.

Currently, most smartphones are assembled in India, but the essential parts are still imported. Industry insiders believe that targeted tax incentives and policy support in the budget could boost domestic manufacturing of these parts. Such measures can help control costs, stabilize smartphone prices, and even lead to price reductions in some cases.

While immediate and significant price cuts are unlikely due to global supply pressures, the direction set by the Union Budget could play a crucial role in determining whether smartphones become more expensive or cheaper in the long run.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.