India Smartphone Sales Drop 9% in Early 2026

India’s smartphone sales declined 9% YoY in the first nine weeks of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research’s India Weekly Smartphone Sell-out Tracker. The slowdown was primarily driven by supply-side pressures, particularly rising memory component costs, coupled with typical seasonal softness at the start of the year.

While consumers were initially less aware of the smartphone price increases, continued hikes in existing device prices by multiple Android brands gradually impacted store footfall and overall sales. Until Week 9, more than eight brands had already increased prices of key SKUs, with an average price hike of INR 1,500, which is expected to rise further. New product launches are also being introduced at higher price points. Republic Day sales provided only a temporary boost to weekly performance, emerging as a key positive in January 2026, with the benefit more visible in the online channel.

While volumes remained under pressure, value growth continued to hold steady, driven by sustained premiumization, a trend that strongly shaped market dynamics throughout 2025 and is now extending into early 2026.

Commenting on the market dynamics, Senior Research Analyst Prachir Singh said, “India’s smartphone market started the year on a low note, as persistent price increases continued to weigh on consumer demand. Limited promotional intensity and fewer new launches further impacted purchase momentum. All this resulted in weaker retail conversions across channels, reflecting guarded consumer sentiment.”

                                Source: Counterpoint Research’s India Weekly Smartphone Sell-out Tracker

At 19% YoY, vivo recorded the strongest sales growth in the first nine weeks of 2026, driven by new product launches and performance of the Y and T series. Apple grew 12% YoY, supported by discounts and sustained demand for its iPhone 17 series.

Commenting on the market outlook, Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “Ongoing global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and rising essential commodity prices, are expected to continue to weigh on discretionary spending, with India’s smartphone market projected to decline by around 10% in 2026. In this environment, brands are likely to maintain a cautious approach, focusing on premium-led growth supported by new launches and targeted financing. While premium segments are expected to remain relatively resilient, affordability constraints and limited financing availability will continue to impact demand in the mass segment, leading to a gradual and uneven recovery.”