Memory-chip inflation may sink 54% of India's festive smartphone demand, cutting 2025 sales by up to 30%

A Techarc-Trakin Tech study of 5,958 buyers warns 54% of festive shoppers will defer purchases or pivot to refurbished as entry-segment prices climb 8-12%. Annual sales could slide to 115-120M units from 136-138M, while the refurbished market swells to 30-32M units.

— Source publishedFri, 29 May, 2026, 15:52 IST·First seen Fri, 29 May, 2026, 16:07 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

India smartphone market · Study warns 54% of festive smartphone buyers in India may defer or shift to refurbished as memory-chip inflation lifts entry-segment

Key facts

  • 54%
  • 48%
  • 6%
  • 5,958 buyers
  • 115-120 million units
  • 136-138 million units
  • 8-12%
  • Rs 20,000
  • 40%
  • 5%
  • 23-25 million units
  • 30-32 million units
  • 6-7 million units
  • 30%

Why this matters

Festive demand softness opens a window to acquire refurbished platforms or distressed entry-tier brands before the 30-32M-unit refurb pool consolidates around incumbents.