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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNo—not yet, based on the evidence available. India’s affordable-phone market faces real pressure from higher component costs, especially memory, but the claim that affordable smartphones are “ending” is not established. HMD India-APAC CEO Ravi Kunwar forecast that the pressure could last until “probably the good end of 2027.” That is an executive’s uncertain outlook, not a guarantee that every phone will rise in price or that budget models will disappear.
What did the HMD India CEO say about phone prices?
In an interview with Mint, published on 6 October 2026 during the HMD Vibe 2 Pro 5G launch in India, Ravi Kunwar said smartphone component costs—particularly memory—had risen considerably over the previous six months. He cited demand for memory related to AI as one source of pressure.
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Kunwar said, “The challenge is going to remain till probably the good end of 2027.” He also said consumers would have to get used to higher smartphone prices. The word “probably” matters: the statement is a forecast, not a fixed deadline or confirmed price path.
In a separate interview, HT Tech reported that Kunwar expected pricing in India to remain volatile for the next 12 to 18 months. He called price increases inevitable while saying HMD was trying to pass on the minimum impact to customers. These are estimates from different interviews, not a single precise timetable.
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Why are smartphone prices going up in India?
Memory is a prominent part of the explanation, but not the only possible source of higher costs. Kunwar pointed to memory demand associated with AI, while IDC analyst Kiranjeet Kaur, quoted by TechCrunch, described a “double whammy”: a weaker currency makes imports costlier, adding to manufacturers’ margin pressure, which can then be passed on to consumers.
That helps explain why the effect can vary by brand, model and price tier. A reported price increase for one handset should not be treated as a market-wide increase of the same size. Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint Research vice president of research, told TechCrunch that prices in India had risen between 4% and 68%, depending on the model. That wide range is model-specific, not a single average rise for all smartphones.
How exposed is India’s affordable-phone market?
A large share of Indian smartphone sales sits in lower price bands, so price pressure there matters. But the available estimates are distinct and should not be blended: Kunwar told Mint that about 40% of the market is below ₹20,000, while Counterpoint Research estimated that about 60% is concentrated below ₹20,000, as reported by TechCrunch.
Counterpoint’s figures, also reported by TechCrunch, show shipments fell 10% year over year in India during April–June 2026, the steepest June-quarter decline in six years. Shipments in the sub-₹15,000 segment fell 45% year over year. These are shipment changes; by themselves, they do not show that all consumers have been priced out or that affordable phones are no longer available.
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For context, Counterpoint reported a 2% shipment decline in China in Q2 2026, compared with India’s reported 10% fall. The figures describe those two markets, not a global trend. Pathak also said consumers may stretch replacement cycles to around four years from about 3.5 years previously. That is an analyst expectation, not a measured outcome for every buyer.
Will phone prices stay high until 2027?
That is plausible, but it is not certain. Kunwar’s forecast points to pressure lasting until near the end of 2027. TechCrunch separately reported IDC’s Kiranjeet Kaur saying elevated prices and memory shortages could persist until at least the end of 2027, although the pace of increases might moderate. Both are forecasts; neither can establish in October 2026 what prices will actually be in 2027.
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The reports support a more limited conclusion: rising component costs are affecting prices and demand, with the impact differing by model and price tier. They do not establish that every phone will keep getting more expensive at the same rate, or that the affordable category is over.
Does HMD’s Vibe 2 Pro show that affordable phones are disappearing?
No. The Vibe 2 Pro 5G is one launch example in the under-₹20,000 segment, not proof of what every brand is doing. It also illustrates why launch prices need context: Mint reported promotional Flipkart prices of ₹14,999 for 6GB RAM and ₹16,999 for 8GB RAM, with sale availability beginning 8 October 2026. India Today Tech reported standard launch prices of ₹15,999 for the 6GB RAM/128GB storage version and ₹17,999 for the 8GB RAM version. These are different launch and promotion contexts, not one universal or current price.
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- 【Powerful Performance, Smooth Operation】Equipped with a MediaTek MTK6739 quad-core processor, combined with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage, the system runs stable and efficient. Supports microSD card expansion up to 256GB, easily storing more photos, videos, and apps.
- 【Capture clarity, record brilliance】Equipped with an 13-megapixel front camera and a 16-megapixel rear dual-camera system, it meets all your selfie and everyday photography needs. Capture every beautiful moment in life with clear and natural images.
- 【Long-lasting battery life, fast charging】Features a built-in 5000mAh high-capacity battery with a Type-C charging port for faster, safer charging. Delivers powerful endurance for daily use, eliminating the need for frequent recharging on the go.
- 【Smart System, Seamless Experience】Powered by Android 12.0, featuring a clean and intuitive interface. Supports facial recognition unlocking and a triple-card slot design (dual SIM + memory card), offering flexible and convenient communication and expansion options.
India Today Tech lists a 6,000mAh battery, 120Hz Full HD display, 33W fast charging and MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. Those specifications describe this model; they do not establish its software or security-support period. The reports identify Flipkart promotion availability but do not establish Amazon availability. Check a retailer’s live listing for the actual price and stock before buying.
Kunwar’s comments also suggest HMD’s approach is to offer selected practical features while moving up-market over time. In an India Today Tech interview, he framed the choice as whether a buyer needs a higher-resolution camera or would rather pay less for a phone that lasts and remains secure. That is a company executive’s positioning, not independent evidence that HMD or other manufacturers have stopped making affordable phones.
Should you buy a phone now or wait?
There is no reliable basis in these forecasts for promising that waiting will be cheaper—or that buying immediately is always better. Make the decision around your needs and the actual deal in front of you:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- If your current phone is failing or no longer meets your needs: compare today’s final price, including any retailer discount, against the features and support you need. A forecast about 2027 does not tell you whether a particular phone is good value now.
- If your phone still works well: waiting may give you more time to compare models and offers, but future component costs and discounts are both uncertain.
- For any model: check RAM and storage, battery capacity and charging, display, processor, and the manufacturer’s stated software and security support. Do not choose from headline specifications alone or assume a launch promotion is still available.
For the market as a whole, the grounded answer is that affordable smartphones in India face pressure, not that they have disappeared. The reported forecasts make continued high prices a risk buyers should consider—not a certainty that every budget has been priced out.
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