Smartphone makers hike prices as India's mobile market faces slowdown

OnePlus has raised prices on its devices for the fifth time in nine months, while Samsung has undertaken nine price revisions over an eight-month period. OPPO has similarly increased prices across its new model range, joining the broader industry trend of upward pricing adjustments.

The repeated price hikes signal growing challenges facing smartphone manufacturers in India, traditionally one of Asia's most competitive and price-sensitive markets. With demand showing signs of cooling, companies are grappling with elevated component costs, currency fluctuations, and logistics expenses that have squeezed profit margins.

The pricing moves come at a time when India's smartphone market is experiencing a slowdown after years of robust growth. Multiple rounds of increases suggest manufacturers are prioritizing margin protection over volume gains, even as they risk pricing out cost-conscious consumers who form a substantial portion of the Indian market.

Smartphone pricing in India has become increasingly volatile as companies navigate competing pressures from raw material costs and weakening demand. The frequency of revisions underscores the difficult balancing act handset makers face between maintaining competitiveness and sustaining profitability in the region.