The early weeks of 2026 have already sent a clear message to smartphone buyers in India. The new launches from Realme, Redmi and Oppo show that price hikes are no longer limited to premium flagships. Mid-range and upper mid-range phones are now coming in at significantly higher prices than their predecessors, suggesting the brands consumers should expect to pay this year.

What makes this trend hard to ignore is time. These launches have taken place at the beginning of the year, without the usual festive season inflation or year-end conditions. When this is combined with reports about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series and rising component costs identified by global research firms, it becomes clear that 2026 could be a turning point for smartphone pricing.

Redmi Note 15 shows how the mid-range price has grown

The Redmi Note series has long been a reference point for pricing in India. That benchmark has now moved upward. Redmi Note 15 5G has been launched at Rs 22,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB variant. Its predecessor, Redmi Note 14 5G was launched at around Rs 17,999 for the same configuration.

An increase of nearly Rs 5,000 within a generation is significant for a chain that has traditionally focused on aggressive pricing. While the Note 15 brings upgrades like a better IP rating, new chipset, and camera improvements, these changes alone don’t fully explain the surge. The pricing suggests that Redmi is no longer able or willing to afford rising costs while keeping launch prices stable.

Realme 16 Pro+ crosses a new line for the brand

Realme’s upper mid-range strategy has also changed. Realme 16 Pro+ has been launched at Rs 39,999 for its base variant. In comparison, Realme 15 Pro entered the Indian market at Rs 31,999 based on launch offer.

This difference puts the 16 Pro+ in territory once reserved for near-flagship phones. Realme is supporting this price with advanced cameras and better IP ratings, but the bigger point is that the brand is now comfortable pricing its Pro+ line closer to Rs 40,000 at launch. This matter was not just a year ago.

Oppo Reno 15 Pro moves to premium pricing

Oppo’s Reno series has been on a steady upward trend over the past few years and the Reno 15 Pro continues that trend. The device has been launched in India at prices ranging between Rs 67,999 to Rs 72,999, depending on the storage options. In comparison, the Reno 14 Pro started at Rs 49,999 at launch.

This puts the new Reno Pro models much closer to flagship pricing than before. Oppo is positioning the Reno line as a premium camera and design-focused product, but the jump also points to higher manufacturing and component expenses that the brand is passing on to buyers rather than absorbing it internally.

Samsung Galaxy S26 price hike rumor adds to the bigger picture

Pricing pressure is not limited to Chinese brands. Reports from South Korea indicate that Samsung is considering a price increase for the Galaxy S26 series starting in its home market. The Galaxy S25 lineup is already at the premium level, and even a modest increase would push the S26 models further up the price ladder.

It is being said that the higher cost could be due to the advanced processor, memory and AI-centric hardware. Samsung is also increasing software support and expanding on-device AI features, both of which add long-term costs. Historically, when Samsung adjusts pricing in Korea, other regions often make similar if not identical revisions.

The cost of components is rising, and big research companies are warning about it

Well-known market research companies have been marking this trend for months. Average selling prices of global smartphones are expected to increase in 2026, primarily due to higher memory prices, more expensive chipsets, and increased use of advanced displays and camera sensors, Counterpoint Research said.

TrendForce also noted that DRAM and NAND flash prices are rising, driven by strong demand for AI servers and data centers. Smartphones rely heavily on these components, and when prices rise as supply levels rise, manufacturers have limited wiggle room to keep retail pricing unchanged. Entry-level and mid-range phones are particularly affected, as their margins are already low.

What does this mean for buyers in India?

The pattern for Redmi, Realme and Oppo suggests that high launch prices are becoming the norm rather than the norm. Phones that were once offered for less than Rs 20,000 are now priced around Rs 23,000 or Rs 25,000. Upper mid-range phones that were priced below Rs 35,000 are now moving towards Rs 40,000 and above.

Discounts, bank offers and festive sales will continue to provide temporary relief, but base prices tell the real story. As brands deal with rising component costs and invest more in displays, cameras and AI features, buyers will have to increasingly adjust their budgets.

The launch in early 2026 is already setting this tone, and with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series expected to reinforce it, smartphone buyers should prepare for a year where upgrades will cost more than ever before, even outside the flagship category.