Shops sold up to 20% fewer smartphones this Diwali as prices rose about 21%; Realme volumes fell over 50%
Buyers who did shop went for costlier phones from Apple, Google and Xiaomi, while the budget segment took the biggest hit, says the mobile retailers' body.
- Diwali volume drop: 18–20%
- Realme volumes: down 50%+
- Average phone price rise: ~21% (Counterpoint)
The numbers
The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) says offline smartphone sales volumes fell 18–20% over the Diwali days, 6–9 November. Sales value stayed roughly flat because people bought pricier phones, mostly in the ₹30,000–60,000 range. Apple, Google Pixel and Xiaomi did well. Phones under ₹20,000 suffered most, and Realme's volumes dropped more than 50%.
Why phones cost more
Memory-chip makers are prioritising AI data centres, which has pushed up component costs. Counterpoint says phone prices in India have risen about 21% on average, and only 60–70% of loan applications at shops were approved. AIMRA warns shop volumes could fall by up to 50% over the next three months.
