Smartphones have become expensive due to chip shortage and weak rupee. Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi increased prices by 3-22%, due to which sales fell by 30%. This inflation may continue till 2027.
If you are thinking of buying a new smartphone, then this news can be heavy on your pocket. In the month of April, almost all the big companies have increased the prices of their mobile phones. According to reports, the main reason for this is the chip shortage at the global level and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Which brands’ phones became expensive?
According to data from All India Mobile Retailers Association, almost all the big brands have increased prices significantly.
Samsung: Increase in prices from 3% to 22%.
Oppo: Increase from 6% to 18%.
Xiaomi: From 3% to 15%.
Realme: From 3% to 12%.
Nothing: Increase the prices by 13% to 14%.
Motorola: From 4% to 9%.
Vivo: There is information about increasing prices from April 15.
However, OnePlus has not increased the prices yet.
Spending on iPhone also increased
Apple has not increased the prices directly, but has ended the big discounts and offers available on the phone. The company has removed the discount of Rs 5,000 available on iPhone 15 and 16 series. Apart from this, the cashback of Rs 6,000 available on iPhone 17 models has been reduced to just Rs 1,000. This means that now customers will have to spend more money than before to buy an iPhone.
Why are prices increasing?
Businessmen say that there are mainly four reasons behind the increase in mobile prices:
Chip shortage: Due to the increasing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI), the demand for chips has increased, due to which the cost of manufacturing has also increased.
Gulf crisis: Due to political instability in the Gulf region, freight insurance and shipping charges have increased.
Rupee weakness: Due to falling value of rupee against dollar, parts coming from abroad have become expensive.
Raw Material: The increase in prices of raw materials like plastic and memory chips has also increased the problems of companies.
Slowdown in the market, increased demand for old phones
Sales in the smartphone market have declined due to rising prices. According to the report, mobile phone sales have declined by about 30% in March alone. Many people are postponing buying a new phone in the hope of lower prices. Instead, many people are buying second-hand phones.
Will prices go down?
Experts believe that this inflation is not going to end soon. It is estimated that this trend may continue till 2027. Unless manufacturing materials become cheaper or international conditions improve, it is difficult to expect a reduction in prices in the smartphone market.