Where Data Tells the Story
© Voronoi 2025. All rights reserved.
Smartphones are getting more expensive, though the pace of increase is steadier than the market has seen in recent years. Industry trackers expect the average handset price to move from about 370 dollars this year to more than 412 dollars by the end of the decade. That adds up to growth of roughly three percent annually.
Revenue is climbing even faster. Analysts at Counterpoint Research forecast global smartphone sales of around 564 billion dollars in 2029, supported by annual growth of close to five percent. The gap between rising prices and slower unit growth is giving manufacturers more breathing room after years of disruption.
North America remains the biggest driver of high-end demand. Premium models, heavy promotional campaigns, and the rising appeal of foldable phones are expected to push prices up by seven percent in 2025. Average costs there could approach 984 dollars the following year.
China’s recovery is more measured. Local brands such as Huawei, OPPO, and vivo continue to nudge prices upward, while Apple has regained momentum thanks to stronger sales of its Pro line. Forecasts point to a 3.6 percent increase in average selling prices this year.
India is following a different path. Handsets are still among the most affordable worldwide, with prices under 250 dollars on average in 2025. Yet gradual change is underway. As more buyers outside the main cities shift away from basic phones, the average could rise toward 287 dollars by 2029.
Apple continues to dominate the premium tier. Its average selling price may move from 919 dollars this year to nearly 1,000 dollars by 2029. The company is also widening its reach in emerging markets with cheaper devices, while preparing a major step in 2026 when its first foldable model is due. Samsung, by contrast, is showing steadier performance. A softer start for its flagship range pulled averages lower in early 2025, but foldables and new AI features are expected to lift results later. Huawei is regaining momentum at home, with the Mate and P series benefiting from improved supply and stronger foldable sales.
Part of the price pressure is linked to technology itself. Generative AI features pushed up production costs by as much as 60 dollars in 2024 and 2025, which fed directly into retail pricing. Even as those costs settle, the perceived value of AI tools is expected to hold prices high. Foldables, though still a niche product, are also reshaping expectations of what premium devices should cost.
The overall picture points to steady but modest growth. Tariff risks have eased, supply chains are smoother, and consumers remain interested in advanced features. That combination suggests the industry is entering a calmer phase where price rises continue but in a more controlled way than before.