Editor’s note
- AI industry hoards memory chips, putting affordable phones and laptops under pressure
- Price increases for gadgets in 2026
- Price increases for memory
- Mid- and lower-priced smartphones hardest hit on the Indonesian market
AI industry hoards memory chips, putting affordable phones and laptops under pressure
The era of affordable phones and laptops will come to an end in 2026 due to significant price increases of 5% to 20% across all categories.
This increase is caused by a 300% price rise for memory chips (RAM and storage) as a result of high demand from the AI industry.
Memory components, which previously accounted for only 10% of production costs, now represent nearly 40%. The impact has already been felt in Indonesia since March, with price increases for Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, Infinix, and Asus. The mid- and lower segments of smartphones are most affected, forcing consumers to pay more for the same specifications. The recommended solution is to buy used or ex-flagship phones.
Price increases for gadgets in 2026
The prices of gadgets are expected to rise drastically in 2026, by 5% to 20% across all categories.
This increase is caused not only by inflation but also by a sharp price rise in key components, particularly memory chips (RAM and storage), which have increased by as much as 300%.
Price increases for memory
The AI industry is hoarding the global memory supply, leading to shortages and price increases.
Memory components, which previously accounted for only 10% of the total production costs of smartphones, now represent nearly 40% of production costs.
The mid- and lower segments of smartphones are most affected in the Indonesian market
Manufacturers are passing on the burden of increased production costs to the consumer. The consequences of price increases have been noticeable on the Indonesian market since March. Vivo and Oppo announced price increases, followed by brands such as Xiaomi, Infinix, and Asus.
The lower and mid-range smartphone segments are at the greatest risk of price increases, forcing consumers to pay more for comparable specifications.
If you want high-end specifications on a limited budget, purchasing a second-hand or former flagship model is a logical solution. ***tok
