New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- Global chip shortages, costlier imports due to a weaker rupee and a shift in demand towards artificial intelligence (AI) chips are making consumer electronics, including laptops and smartphones, more expensive. The situation is unlikely to improve soon and could weigh on sales during the upcoming festival season. Mint explores.

Yes. Prices of laptops and smartphones have risen 8-15% in India over the past year. Premium devices, particularly those powered by AI-enabled chips, have seen sharper increases. Flagship smartphones now cost Rs.5,000- Rs.15,000 more than last season, while even mid-range laptops are Rs.7,000- Rs.12,000 costlier.

Retailers say entry-level devices have been relatively less affected, but the b...