Tech Desk: Indian consumers eyeing Vivo’s popular T-series smartphones, including the Vivo T5x, T5 Lite, and T4 Lite, face a significant setback as prices have reportedly increased by up to Rs 5,000. This sudden surge, attributed by Vivo to rising input and operational costs, comes into effect from August 23rd, according to a circular shared by tipster Sanju Chaudhary.

The Vivo T5x sees the steepest hike, with its top-end 8GB + 256GB variant now retailing at Rs 35,999, a jump of Rs 5,000 from its previous Rs 30,999. Similarly, the T5 Lite and T4 Lite models have also seen increases of up to Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000, respectively, pushing their starting prices to Rs 23,999 and Rs 19,999. Curiously, official online listings still reflect older prices, suggesting the hike might initially target the offline market.

For those considering a purchase, the T-series phones are known for robust battery life and durability, featuring MIL-STD-810H certification and large batteries (up to 7,200mAh on the T5x). While the price adjustment certainly impacts their value proposition, the underlying features remain strong. Given the industry’s ongoing component crunch, potential buyers might want to act quickly if these devices align with their needs before the new prices become universal.