Since the beginning of 2026, average retail prices for smartphones worldwide have increased by approximately 15%. According to a Counterpoint Research study, over 40% of models have become more expensive, with new devices costing on average a quarter more than their predecessors from the previous year.

The sharpest price increases were observed in markets with high consumer price sensitivity. In India, smartphone prices rose by an average of 21%, in the Asia-Pacific region by 19%, in the Middle East and Africa by 18%, and in Latin America by 16%.

In markets with a high share of premium devices, growth was more moderate: prices in China increased by 10%, in Europe by 7%, and in the US by 5%. In these regions, the bulk of the increase was driven by new models, while prices for existing devices changed less.

One of the main reasons for the rise in smartphone costs is the increasing price of memory and other components. Manufacturers are attempting to hold prices down by altering device specifications – in particular, reducing built-in storage capacity, the number of cameras, and in some segments, reintroducing more models with 4G support.

Due to the price hikes, consumers are postponing smartphone upgrades, opting for versions with less storage, and increasingly turning to the used-device market. Operators and retailers are partially offsetting the price increases through installment plans, trade-in programs, and other offers.

According to Counterpoint Research estimates, new smartphones will continue to become more expensive in the coming quarters. The memory shortage and high component prices are expected to maintain pressure on manufacturers and their margins.

Earlier reports indicated that Chinese polarizing film manufacturers, controlling over 70% of the global market, may raise prices by 10% due to rising raw material costs and logistics expenses. The shortage of these components is expected to persist at least until 2027.

Source: podrobno.uz