India’s mid-tier 5G smartphone market continues to attract consumers seeking flagship-level features at budget-friendly prices, but recent Amazon India deals reveal modest price adjustments across popular models priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000.
Industry analysts attribute these shifts to rising memory costs — particularly DRAM and NAND flash — as well as ongoing global supply-demand pressures, which impact production costs for 5G smartphones.
The latest Ericsson Mobility Report highlights India’s rapid 5G adoption and surging data consumption. India is expected to cross 1 billion 5G subscriptions by 2031, achieving 79 percent penetration. By the end of 2025, 5G subscriptions are projected to reach 394 million, accounting for 32 percent of total mobile subscriptions. India leads the world in mobile data usage per active smartphone at 36 GB per month, a figure expected to climb sharply to 65 GB per month by 2031, driven by wider 5G coverage, affordable devices, and increased consumption of video and digital services.
Redmi 14C 5G: Price Adjusted to Rs 11,999 Amid Rising Memory Costs
The Redmi 14C 5G (Starlight Blue, 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage) is currently available at Rs 11,999, up from Rs 10,998 in October 2025 — a Rs 1,001 increase, or roughly 9 percent. Despite this price adjustment, the device continues to deliver flagship-style features including a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 5G processor, a 6.88-inch 120Hz display, 50MP dual camera, and a 5160mAh battery. With virtual RAM support up to 8GB and expandable storage up to 1TB, the phone remains an attractive choice for budget-conscious 5G adopters.
The price increase aligns with global memory price trends, where DRAM and NAND demand from data centers and AI hardware workloads has tightened supply and driven costs upward.
iQOO Z10 Lite 5G: Durable 5G Performance Now Rs 12,999
The iQOO Z10 Lite 5G (Titanium Blue, 6GB/128GB) is listed at Rs 12,999, up Rs 2,001 from its October 2025 price of Rs 10,998, reflecting an 18 percent rise. Powered by a Dimensity 6300 5G processor, 6.74-inch 90Hz display, and 6000mAh battery with 15W FlashCharge, it also boasts IP64 dust and water resistance and military-grade durability. The incremental price reflects memory cost inflation and broader component supply pressures impacting the mid-tier 5G segment.
Tecno Spark Go 5G: Slim and Affordable 5G Option
The Tecno Spark Go 5G (Ink Black, 4GB+128GB) now retails at Rs 10,999, slightly higher than Rs 9,999 previously. It features a slim 7.99mm body, a 6000mAh battery, and Ella AI with Indian language support. IP64 dust and water resistance make it one of the lightest and most versatile 5G smartphones in this price bracket. The increase is consistent with component-driven cost adjustments, particularly memory price growth.
Samsung Galaxy M17 5G: Rs 13,999 with AI Enhancements
The Samsung Galaxy M17 5G (Sapphire Black, 6GB/128GB) is now available at Rs 13,999, up Rs 1,000 from Rs 12,999 in October. This device offers a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 90Hz display, Exynos 1330 processor, 50MP OIS triple camera, and a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging. AI features like Circle to Search and Gemini Live enhance usability. Price adjustments are linked to memory and component cost pressures affecting the mid-tier 5G market.
POCO M6 Plus 5G: Value-Focused Rs 10,899
The POCO M6 Plus 5G (Ice Silver, 8GB/128GB) is priced at Rs 10,899, up Rs 600 from Rs 10,299, reflecting a modest 6 percent increase. Featuring Snapdragon 4 Gen2 AE processor, 6.8-inch FHD+ 120Hz display, 108MP dual camera, and fast charging, it remains a compelling option. Price changes are largely due to inflated memory costs and supply-side pressures.
realme 14X 5G: Stable Pricing Amid High Performance
The realme 14X 5G (Black, 8GB/128GB) now costs Rs 14,429, slightly lower than Rs 14,490 in October (-Rs 61, or -0.4 percent). It offers a 6.67-inch 120Hz display, Dimensity 6300+ chipset, 6000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and IP69 waterproofing. The minor price decrease is likely due to promotional adjustments despite memory price pressures.
Lava Blaze AMOLED 2 5G: Rs 14,499 with Premium Features
The Lava Blaze AMOLED 2 5G (Feather White, 6GB/128GB) is priced at Rs 14,499, up Rs 1,000 from Rs 13,499 in October. Equipped with a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED 120Hz display, Dimensity 7060 processor, 50MP Sony camera, and Android 15, it maintains a strong mid-tier proposition. The price rise reflects memory component inflation impacting mid-range smartphones.
Motorola G45 5G: Slight Increase to Rs 12,448
The Motorola G45 5G (Brilliant Blue, 8GB/128GB) now sells at Rs 12,448, up Rs 78 from Rs 12,370 in October. Powered by a 2.3GHz 6X86 octa-core processor and clean Android 14, the device sees minimal change, reflecting stable supply and limited memory cost impact in this segment.
Consumer Impact: Strong Features Amid Price Fluctuations
Despite fluctuating prices, Amazon India continues to provide aggressive cashback offers, No Cost EMI options, and extended warranties that help mitigate upfront cost pressures for buyers. The availability of high-refresh AMOLED displays, AI capabilities, large battery capacities, and robust performance in the Rs 10,000–Rs 15,000 segment underscores how 5G adoption is expanding rapidly among value-seeking consumers.
Industry Insight: Memory Cost Pressures and Pricing Trends
Industry analysts point to rising memory costs — particularly DRAM and NAND flash — as a key factor influencing price movements in the mid-tier smartphone segment. Elevated memory prices have been linked to strong demand from AI workloads and data centers, which affects supply and pricing downstream for smartphone manufacturers.
Outlook: What to Expect in 2026
With India’s 5G penetration continuing to rise and memory market dynamics still in flux, modest price adjustments may continue into 2026. Smartphone brands are likely to differentiate through AI functionality, enhanced battery technologies, and premium display experiences, even as cost pressures persist.
FASNA SHABEER