High-end phones were once required for high-quality images. That has changed, with a photographer's glut of options on the market at various prices.

An expensive repair quote for my shattered screen kicked things off. I needed something basic. I saw a new Android phone priced at $150. The spec sheet listed a decent battery, generous storage, and a multi‑lens camera system. It seemed a bargain.

From budget bands to flagship models, smartphone prices in India are likely to increase due to a memory chip shortage, fuelled by the global AI boom.

A global memory chip shortage driven by rising AI demand could increase smartphone prices by up to 14% this year, according to IDC. Budget phones under Rs 9,000 may be hit hardest, while global shipments are expected to see their steepest decline in a decade.

It’s common knowledge that the smartphone market is not in a good place right now. But new research has revealed the unprecedented severity of the problem, the likely timeframe before things get better, and the one company that’s best placed to survive the ordeal. Spoiler: it’s Apple.

As of 2026, Chinese smartphone brands continue to expand their Android lineup across different price categories.Most popular and well-loved brands