US smartphone prices have increased by an average of 5% in 2026, significantly less than the 15% global rise, according to Counterpoint Research. New smartphone launches are now around 25% more expensive worldwide than a year ago.
The US has seen smaller increases than Europe (7%), China (10%) and markets such as India (21%) and Asia Pacific (19%). Rising memory and component costs are putting pressure on manufacturers, leading some to reduce storage or simplify specifications to control prices.
US consumers are also benefiting from carrier financing and installment plans, while shoppers globally are increasingly delaying upgrades, choosing cheaper configurations or buying refurbished phones.
Source: Android Authority
