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ZDNET Highlights
- Smartphone market facing pressure due to supply constraints of memory chips
- Phones launched in 2026 have been weak, and many have seen price hikes.
- The top phones of 2025 are now discounted, making them better buys than new devices.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, you might be better off buying one from 2025 now. Recent phones, especially the mid-range ones, have delivered tremendous upgrades while also seeing prices rise.
Too: Why will you pay more for phones and computers in 2026?
As businesses amass more and more memory for their AI data centers and hardware, fewer memory chips are available for consumer products. This is creating shortage and subsequently increasing prices. The phone launching in 2026 is facing tougher competition from its rivals than its predecessors.
Dilemma regarding new phone in 2026
according to a December report from IDCThe shortage of DRAM and NAND chips used in PCs, smartphones and other consumer electronics is pressuring the overall market. IDC expects the smartphone market to continue to face pressure this year.
“The cost structure of a smartphone depends largely on the memory used,” IDC analysts explained. “For a mid-range device, memory may represent 15-20% of the total bill of materials (BOM), while for a high-end flagship device, it is around 10-15%. As memory prices continue to rise, OEMs will likely have to significantly increase prices, cut specifications, or both.”
A Counterpoint Research The February report said RAM prices were rising, reaching three times last year’s level. The harshest consequences will be on the cheapest phones, which already operate on thin margins and are more likely to see their profits wiped out without a price increase.
Too: AI isn’t getting smarter, it’s becoming more power-hungry and expensive
We’re seeing these changes in Google’s Pixel 10a and Samsung’s Galaxy A57, which are largely unchanged this year. While Google Phone is now down $450 on Amazon Compared to its $500 launch price, the Galaxy A57 is $50 more expensive At $550 (compared to the $500 Galaxy A56 at launch).
Lower-end Motorola G-series phones, on the other hand, are now up to $100 more expensive official websiteAs seen for the first time PhoneArena. While Amazon is still selling these at old pricesAny price increase in the budget segment represents an increase of more than $100 or even $200 over a flagship phone.
That’s why, if you’re on a budget, you should look at the 2025 phone instead of buying the new model. This is where the good news comes from.
Your Best Options Already Exist (And for Less Money)
When new phones don’t offer meaningful upgrades, older phones become more attractive, especially at discounted prices. Here are some worthwhile alternatives based on our testing.
latest google pixel 10aThe 2024 launched a few months ago for $500, with an older Tensor G4 chipset and older cameras. While that’s still $300 less than last year pixel 10 At retail price, the Pixel 10, which offers more RAM (12GB vs. 8GB), a dedicated telephoto camera, and even PixelSnap magnetic wireless charging, can be had for as little as $550 today – pending discount.
In some cases, you can even buy a second-hand Pixel 10 device for a lower price than this, with the biggest caveat being that you may void any retailer’s insurance. Objectively speaking, this is still a better value phone option.
SAMSUNG
For Samsung, I would recommend last year’s Galaxy S25 seriesThat includes the same specified models as this year’s Galaxy S26 series, from the base model to the Plus to the Ultra.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: I compared flagship phones to make a better buying decision
Considering the modest upgrades we’ve seen in the latest phones, with no major camera or battery changes, the S25 series is still highly recommended in 2026. If you decide to buy directly from the store, don’t expect Samsung to offer the most aggressive trade-in offers.
Apple
Apple’s trajectory looks different – at least for now. After the MacBook Neo debuted with high value for money, the iPhone 17 series has maintained that momentum. By holding the line on pricing relative to the iPhone 16 while offering a flexible 18MP selfie camera, faster processor, and a 120Hz display on the base model, Apple has raised the floor significantly for buyers.
When $600 iPhone 17E While it’s hard to sell it on price alone, its year-to-date upgrades are still ahead of Samsung and Google’s midrange offerings, making it a viable option even this year.
ground level
But as things stand, 2026 is shaping up to be a “skip” year for consumers. With supply shortages driving prices up and innovative stable returns diminishing, older models currently offer far better value.
While we can hope for a market recovery, the era of “more for less” is fading by the day – and this stagnation is the new normal, making it all the more important for consumers like you to shop smarter, not harder.
