Smartphone brands brace for 9-10% festive sales drop as higher prices dampen demand

Smartphone sales are projected to dip by 9-10% this festive season as rising handset prices dampen consumer demand. Brands are strategizing with discounts, but these will be on inflated baseline prices. Manufacturers are securing components early to manage costs, while marketing budgets are being trimmed. Expect a focus on financing options like no-cost EMIs to encourage purchases.