Expensive phones, weaker demand: How Indian smartphone market hit a six-year low

India's smartphone market faces its worst start in six years, with a 3% shipment drop in Q1 2026. Rising component and energy costs are pushing phone prices up, impacting the crucial sub-Rs 15,000 segment. While premium devices show resilience, the mass market is weakening, signaling a tougher period ahead for the industry.

By TOI TECH DESK