Rising Memory Costs Push Smartphone Makers Away from Entry-Level Models

Higher memory costs are adding pressure to smartphone makers and buyers, according to DigiTimes. The report says vendors are responding with higher retail prices, fewer low-margin models and tighter production, while some consumers delay upgrades or turn to used and refurbished phones. It also says third-quarter 2026 smartphone shipments reached their lowest level for that quarter since 2012. The report links memory inflation to a shift away from entry-level devices, although it does not quantify the memory-cost increase or isolate its contribution from other demand factors.