Indian smartphone buyers may have to revise their 2026 plans. Select phones from Samsung, Oppo, Realme, Redmi and Xiaomi could become costlier by ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 as manufacturers face another jump in memory and storage expenses. The proposed revisions are expected to affect affordable and mid-range devices first, where brands have less room to absorb higher component bills. However, the companies had not issued broad public price-hike announcements when the initial report appeared.
Which Samsung, Oppo, Realme And Xiaomi Phones Could Get Costlier?
According to an India Today Tech report, price changes may begin during the first week of August. The expected increase is not uniform and may vary by storage option, sales channel and model. Prices can also change quietly at dealer level before revised figures appear across every official online listing.
Phones named in the report include:
- Samsung Galaxy A07 4G, Galaxy A06 5G, Galaxy A07 5G, Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy F17 5G
- Oppo A-series smartphones, including models positioned around the ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 bracket
- Realme C83 and selected Realme P-series devices
- Redmi A7 4G and Redmi A7 Pro 4G, which could reportedly rise by about ₹2,000
- Selected Xiaomi televisions from the 2025 range may also receive increases of ₹500 to ₹2,000
Samsung had already revised prices of several Galaxy A, F and M models in July. A Gadgets 360 report said multiple variants became ₹1,000 dearer from July 4, although some revised prices appeared on retail channels before Samsung made any public announcement. Why Are Smartphone Prices Rising Again In August?
The biggest pressure comes from DRAM and NAND memory, two components used for a phone’s RAM and internal storage. AI companies and cloud operators are buying large quantities of advanced memory for data centres. Suppliers are therefore directing more production towards higher-margin server products, leaving phone manufacturers to compete for tighter consumer-grade supply.
Industry executives told India Today that memory has become one of the most expensive parts inside a smartphone. This hurts budget phones sharply because even a modest component increase can disturb their pricing plan. Brands may respond by raising prices, cutting RAM or storage, using cheaper displays and cameras, or delaying new launches.
The trend is already visible beyond the four brands. Nothing reportedly raised Phone 4a prices by ₹3,000 from August 1, while OnePlus, Vivo and Poco models have also faced revisions during 2026. Official News Post from X handle of TechlusiveOFCL.
What Could The Price Hike Mean For Buyers And Retailers?
A ₹1,000 increase is significant in the entry segment, where buyers often compare phones separated by only a few hundred rupees. A model previously sold at ₹11,999 may move into a bracket with stronger rivals, making it harder to recommend. A ₹3,000 increase on a mid-range phone could also push customers towards older stock, exchange offers or competing brands.
Retail prices may still differ across company websites, offline stores, Amazon and Flipkart. Independence Day sales, bank discounts, coupons and exchange bonuses could temporarily hide the increase, but buyers should compare the final payable amount rather than the crossed-out maximum retail price.
Retailers are also questioning the cost of no-cost EMI programmes. The Economic Times reported that the All India Mobile Retailers Association asked major brands to reconsider schemes whose financing expense may be built into handset prices. This debate could become louder if component costs continue climbing. Should Buyers Purchase A Phone Before Prices Change?
Buyers who have already shortlisted one of the reported models should check its official price, authorised-store quote and sale price on the same day. Screenshots of current listings may also help when comparing offers later. Still, purchasing solely because of an expected hike may lead to a poor choice, especially when fresh launches or festival discounts are close.
The reported ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 increase remains model-specific, and final changes can differ by variant. Shoppers should prioritise software support, battery condition, service access and total checkout cost instead of reacting only to the headline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Phone Brands May Raise Prices In August 2026?
Samsung, Oppo, Realme, Redmi and Xiaomi may revise prices for selected smartphones sold across India.
2. How Much Could Smartphone Prices Increase This Month?
Prices may rise between one thousand and three thousand rupees, depending on model and variant.
3. Why Are RAM And Storage Prices Rising?
AI data-centre demand is absorbing memory supply, leaving smartphone manufacturers with higher component purchasing costs.
4. Are All Samsung And Xiaomi Phones Becoming Costlier?
No, reports identify affordable and mid-range models rather than every available device sold across India.
5. Should Buyers Purchase Phones Before Independence Day Sales?
Compare official prices, bank discounts, exchange values and final checkout totals before completing your purchase.
