[Agency: Global smartphone prices on sale are expected to rise by an average of 20% by the end of 2026] On October 13, Counterpoint Research’s annual global smartphone consumer survey showed that 63% of consumers who plan to purchase a smartphone in the next six months have noticed an increase in smartphone prices. Among the various products and services consumed daily, smartphones are one of the two categories where consumers have experienced significant price increases, alongside fuel/gasoline, groceries and daily necessities. Chinese consumers have the highest awareness of rising smartphone prices, reaching 81%, followed by Germany (70%), India (66%), the United States and the United Kingdom (both 50%). Tarun, Research Director, Counterpoint Research Pathak said: "Increasing storage costs are pushing up smartphone prices, and OEM manufacturers have limited space to absorb the impact of cost increases. Therefore, according to our global smartphone price increase report, by the end of 2026, the price of smartphones on sale globally is expected to increase by an average of 20%, and the price of newly released models may increase by up to 30% year-on-year. Affected by this, consumers tend to postpone replacement and choose to purchase during major promotions; at the same time, installment payments and trade-ins are also supporting demand in the high-end market."