Price cuts rev up sales of low-cost smartphones

Global smartphone prices are declining steadily, particularly in the emerging markets where new handset manufacturers are focusing on low-cost devices as a way to build brand awareness. Analysts believe the current pricing trend will encourage more and more new users to buy low-cost smartphones rather than plain-vanilla feature phones. According to the latest IDC projections on price trends, the average smartphone selling price will drop 12.8% to $337 this year from $387 in 2012.

Here’s a look at the regionwise breakup...