Topic
emi
Finance RBI bars lenders from locking phones over missed EMIs under new recovery rules
The Reserve Bank of India has released final norms on loan recovery that prohibit lenders from disabling borrowers' mobile phones, tablets or laptops as a recovery tool, except for devices financed through loans. The new framework, effective January 1, 2027, sets a graduated restriction timeline, compensation for delayed unlocking, and certification requirements for device-locking software.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Samsung Leads India Smartphone Sales via EMI Financing, Counterpoint Report Finds
Samsung is India's leading smartphone brand for EMI purchases, followed by Vivo and Apple, according to Counterpoint Research. Financing will account for 42% of smartphone sales in 2026, up from 35% in 2025, as rising component costs push prices higher. NBFCs support 67% of financed sales, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces EMI and instalment-based smartphone purchases nearly at par with one-time payments in India
According to Counterpoint Research, smartphone financing via NBFCs and credit/debit card EMIs will account for 42% of total smartphone sales in India in 2026, up from 35% in 2025. The trend is driven by rising smartphone prices, attractive no-cost EMI schemes, and increasing consumer preference for monthly payments. Samsung leads in financing penetration with its Samsung Finance+ and other options.