Smartphone prices surge in China as memory chip supply chain costs bite driven by AI boom скачать в хорошем качестве

Smartphone prices surge in China as memory chip supply chain costs bite driven by AI boom

The buzz surrounding a "2026 universal price hike" for smartphones is reaching a fever pitch. Driven by skyrocketing costs of core components—particularly memory chips—the price surge is beginning to ripple across major brands and price segments. A recent investigation across Shanghai’s flagship stores, digital distributors, and second-hand markets reveals a "tiered" price reaction. While official brand stores remain stable for now, the broader market is already shifting. In multi-brand retail malls, the wind has clearly changed. The once-common "300 to 500 yuan discounts" and promotional giveaways have largely disappeared. Many popular models have returned to their official suggested retail prices as brands tighten their belts. "Due to fluctuations in upstream supply chain costs, brands have gradually reduced subsidies for distribution channels," one dealer told reporters. After stripping away store-level subsidies, the actual wholesale price of some models has risen significantly compared to last month, forcing retail prices upward. The pre-owned market, known for its high price sensitivity, has been the first to hit the "boiling point." Data from multiple second-hand platforms show that transaction prices have climbed across the board over the past week. Mid-to-high-end flagship models released within the last year have seen the most prominent increases, averaging between 5% and 8%. Industry analysts predict that while official flagship prices are holding steady for the moment, the upcoming wave of new releases in 2026 will likely see higher starting price points to offset the persistent pressure from component costs. __________________ ShanghaiEye focuses on producing top-quality contents. Nobody knows SHANGHAI better than us. Please subscribe to us ☻☻☻ __________________ For more stories, please click ■ What's up today in Shanghai, the most updated news of the city    • Плейлист   ■ Amazing Shanghai, exploring the unknown corners of the city, learning the people, food and stories behind them    • Amazing Shanghai and China 淘宝魔都玩转中国   ■ What Chinese people's lives are like during the post COVID-19 period    • COVID-19 新冠疫情   ■ Views of foreign scholars on China and its affairs    • Voices, Let's Listen! 听她他说   ■ Foreign faces in Shanghai, people living in this city sharing their true feelings    • Плейлист   ■ Mini-docs showing why China is the country it is today    • Stories & Documentary 奇闻逸事记录中国   __________________ ☎Leave us messages if you have any suggestions or questions! Thank you!