Mumbai: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime is set for a major revamp from September 22, 2025, with the government streamlining slabs and cutting rates for several consumer durables. Items like televisions and air conditioners have seen their GST burden reduced, making them more affordable ahead of the festive season.

However, what about smartphones? Has the government offered any relief on mobile devices? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The GST Council has decided to keep smartphones under the existing 18% tax slab, which means there will be no change in their prices.

Why No Relief For Phones? 

Industry insiders had been hoping for a concession, especially as mobile phones remain one of the highest-demand categories in India. However, experts had already cautioned that the government was unlikely to budge. At 18%, the tax on smartphones continues to be a strong source of revenue, and reducing it to 5% — as many in the sector demanded — would have slashed prices but also shrunk collections.

This decision has raised eyebrows, especially since the government has classified air conditioners and televisions — now deemed closer to essentials due to rising temperatures and shifting lifestyles — as deserving of lower GST. By contrast, smartphones, despite being integral to daily life, remain in the “non-essential” basket under the tax framework.

Festive Discounts, But Not From GST

With Diwali and other festivals approaching, the revised GST rates on TVs, ACs, and dishwashers are expected to boost consumer demand. Shoppers can expect attractive deals on large-screen LED TVs and home appliances from September 22. Smartphones, however, will not enjoy any GST-driven price cuts.

So while you may save on a brand-new air conditioner or television, don’t expect your next phone purchase to get any cheaper — at least not because of taxes.