Waiting for your dream phone to get cheaper? That moment may never come

For years, smartphone buyers have played the waiting game. A phone launches at Rs 29,999, early adopters rush in, and everyone else waits for the inevitable festive sale, bank offer, or price drop. By Diwali, the same device is often thousands of rupees cheaper.

That cycle may be breaking.

In 2026, smartphone prices are not just rising at launch. They are staying high longer, increasing months after release, and in some cases, older phones are becoming more expensive over time. Industry analysts say the era of predictable smartphone discounting may be coming to an end and artificial intelligence is one of the biggest reasons why.