AI boom is making the world's cheapest smartphones disappear

A memory-chip shortage driven by AI data center demand has pushed smartphone prices up about 15% this year, with new models costing roughly 25% more than last year. Chinese makers, which account for about 60% of global shipments, have slashed entry-level projects, and sub-$100 smartphone shipments fell nearly 60% year over year.

• Smartphone prices rose 15% this year, new models 25%
• Sub-$100 smartphone shipments fell almost 60% year over year
• In India, Redmi 15C went from 12,499 to 16,999 rupees (+36%)
• Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron hold over 90% of the memory market