Smartphones buying guide

Choose a phone by how long it will get updates and how easy it is to service, then by camera and battery. Most phones are cheapest in the October festive sales and just after a newer model launches.

Brands to trust

• Samsung (Long updates) — Up to seven years of updates on Galaxy S, long support on recent A models, and the widest service network. See our Samsung guide.
• Apple iPhone (Long updates) — Long iOS support and the best resale value.
• Google Pixel (Long updates) — Seven years of updates on Pixel 8 and later. Fewer service centres in India than Samsung or Apple.
• OnePlus (Good value) — Flagships get four Android upgrades and six years of security fixes.

Think twice

• Phones with only 2 years of updates (Short support) — Many budget models from several brands stop getting security fixes after about two years. Check the promise before buying.
• Motorola budget models (Short support) — Clean software, but most get only one Android upgrade. Its Signature and Razr Fold models are the exception.
• Grey-market imports (Avoid) — Cheaper, but they have no Indian warranty and may lack Indian network bands.
• Refurbished phones from unknown sellers (Risky) — Buy refurbished only with a written warranty, and check the IMEI first.

When to buy

• Amazon and Flipkart festive sales (Best prices) — This year the Great Indian Festival starts 8 Oct 2026 (early deals from 25 Sep). Big Billion Days runs from 9 Oct 2026, with early access on 8 Oct.
• Republic Day sales (January) (Sale) — The second-biggest phone sale season.
• Just after a new model launches (Smart) — The older model drops in price. Galaxy S phones launch early in the year, iPhones in September.
• Launch offers (Offers) — The first week often brings bank discounts or free earbuds.
• Right before a successor launches (Wait) — Wait a few weeks: the new model or a price cut is coming.

Where to buy

• Amazon and Flipkart (Online) — Usually the lowest prices. Buy only when the seller is the brand or an authorised seller.
• Brand stores and websites (Online / Offline) — Samsung, Apple and OnePlus stores run their own exchange and bank offers.
• Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales (Offline) — You can try the phone first, and they often match online prices during sales.
• Local mobile shops (Offline) — Good for bargaining on accessories. Make sure the box is sealed and the bill is a GST bill.

What to check

• IMEI (Must) — Dial *#06#. It must match the box and the bill. Send 'KYM <IMEI>' by SMS to 14422 to confirm the phone is genuine and not blacklisted.
• Sealed box and warranty date — Check on the brand's website that the warranty starts on your purchase date, not months earlier.
• Update promise — How many Android upgrades and years of security fixes are promised for this exact model?
• 5G bands and what's in the box — Check that it supports your operator's 5G bands. Many phones no longer come with a charger.

Coupons and offers

• Bank card discounts — The biggest saving in sales. Check the maximum discount and whether EMI is required.
• Exchange offers — Compare the exchange price with what a resale app offers for your old phone.
• No-cost EMI — The interest is waived, but banks often charge a processing fee. Add it to the price.
• Co-branded cards — Amazon Pay ICICI and Flipkart Axis cards give extra cashback on their own site.

Warranty

• Standard warranty — Usually one year on the phone. The charger and accessories often have a shorter warranty, so check the card.
• Extended and screen protection plans — Samsung Care+, AppleCare+ and similar plans are worth it for expensive phones. Buy them within the allowed window.
• Complaints — If a seller or brand won't help, call the National Consumer Helpline on 1915.

How to negotiate

• In shops, ask them to match the online price — Show the Amazon or Flipkart price. Many chains match it or add a free extra.
• Ask for extras rather than a discount — A case, screen guard or extended warranty is easier for a shop to give than a price cut.

Sources

• Here are the phone update policies from every major Android manufacturer — Android Authority
• Big Billion Days vs Great Indian Festival 2026 — Eastern Herald
• Sanchar Saathi: Know Your Mobile (KYM) — Department of Telecommunications
• National Consumer Helpline — Department of Consumer Affairs