Phone Upgrades in 2026: Prepare to Pay More for Less Value

• New phone launches in 2026, including models from Xiaomi, Realme, and iQOO, show a trend of higher prices.
• Brands are packing more premium features to justify increased costs, but the value proposition is questionable.
• The Realme 16 Pro is priced above Rs 40,000, and the iQOO 15 flagship exceeds Rs 70,000, significantly higher than previous years.
• These brands face a challenge competing with premium leaders like Apple and Samsung at these elevated price points.
• Consumers are advised to consider keeping their current devices longer, as upgrades in 2026 may be costly and not offer significant improvements.

Why It Matters: 2026 phone upgrades signal higher prices with questionable value; consider delaying your next purchase.