Follow ZDNET: <\/em>Add us as a favorite source<\/span><\/a><\/span> On Google.<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Too: <\/strong>Why will you pay more for phones and computers in 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n according to a December report from IDC<\/a>The 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. <\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n A Counterpoint Research<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Too: <\/strong>AI isn’t getting smarter, it’s becoming more power-hungry and expensive<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/span><\/a><\/span> Compared to its $500 launch price, the Galaxy A57 is $50 more expensive<\/span><\/a><\/span> At $550 (compared to the $500 Galaxy A56 at launch).<\/p>\n Lower-end Motorola G-series phones, on the other hand, are now up to $100 more expensive official website<\/span><\/a><\/span>As seen for the first time PhoneArena<\/a>. While Amazon is still selling these at old prices<\/span><\/a><\/span>Any price increase in the budget segment represents an increase of more than $100 or even $200 over a flagship phone. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n latest google pixel 10a<\/span><\/a><\/span>The 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<\/span><\/a><\/span> 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 \u2013 pending discount. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nZDNET Highlights<\/h3>\n
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Dilemma regarding new phone in 2026<\/h2>\n
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Your Best Options Already Exist (And for Less Money)<\/h2>\n
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SAMSUNG<\/h3>\n
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