Another major smartphone maker has announced AI-induced price hikes
Source: Android Authority
OPPO
TL;DR
- OPPO will raise prices on several budget phones and on OnePlus devices starting March 16.
- The hikes are driven by higher component costs caused by the AI industry’s demand for memory.
- OPPO’s Find and Reno lines are not affected.
Price Increase Details
OPPO announced that, beginning Monday, March 16, the prices of many of its A‑series and K‑series phones will increase. The adjustment also applies to unspecified OnePlus models. The changes are limited to the Chinese market for now, but similar hikes could eventually reach OnePlus devices sold in other regions, such as the United States.
Reason for the Increase
The surge in demand for RAM and storage from AI firms building large‑scale data centers has pushed memory component prices sharply upward. With supply lagging behind demand, manufacturers of consumer electronics—including phones, tablets, and gaming handhelds—are facing higher material costs that are being passed on to consumers.
Budget smartphones, which typically operate on thinner margins than premium models, have less flexibility to absorb these cost increases, prompting price adjustments for OPPO’s more affordable devices.
Impact on OPPO and OnePlus Devices
- Affected: OPPO A‑series, K‑series, and certain OnePlus models (specific devices not listed).
- Unaffected: OPPO Find, Reno, and OPPO Pad tablets.
Industry Context
OPPO is not alone in raising prices amid the memory crunch. For example:
- Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+ start at $100 higher than their S25 predecessors.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra retains the same $1,300 starting price as the S25 Ultra.
These adjustments reflect a broader trend of manufacturers responding to component cost pressures driven by AI‑related demand.
Source: Gizmochina