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Oct 29, 2026

AI infrastructure is making smartphones pricier

The memory bandwidth needed to help power the generative technology has brought smartphones 15% more expensive globally, says Gerrit Schneemann, principal analyst at Counterpoint Research.

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AI infrastructure is making smartphones pricier
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Consumer electronics and AI data centers need memory chips. But there are only a handful of companies in the world that make them. The surge in demand has caused memory shortages and price spikes for everything, including our all-important smartphones.

Gerrit Schneemann is principal analyst at Counterpoint Research, which recently reported global phone prices have jumped by an average of 15%, and even more in markets where consumers can least afford it.

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“Global Existing Smartphone Prices Climb About 15% in 2026, New Launches 25% Costlier YoY as OEMs Maneuver Memory Price Hikes” from Counterpoint Research

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