Rising component costs set to squeeze budget smartphone prices in 2026

Southeast Asia’s smartphone shipments reached 100 million units in 2025, representing a 1 per cent year-on-year decline, as softer performance in the first three quarters weighed on the overall market, according to market analysts Omdia.

However, the region returned to growth in 4Q25, with shipments rising 2 per cent year-on-year to 25.8 million units, reversing three consecutive quarters of contraction and signalling improved momentum toward year-end.

Samsung led the Southeast Asia smartphone market in 2025...