For example, Pei cites the production costs of the Nothing Phone (4a). The price of memory reportedly doubled in the months between the decision to launch the phone and its release, then doubled again within just three months of its release.
"If you've been waiting to upgrade a device, the best time was yesterday. The next best time is now," Carl Pei wrote.
💻 While Pei's warning is among the most dramatic in the industry, independent analysts have made similar forecasts. In March 2026, Counterpoint Research estimated that memory could account for 36–43% of a smartphone's manufacturing cost by the end of the quarter.
💰 According to TrendForce, by the end of Q2 2026, prices for standard DRAM are expected to be 58–63% higher than they were in March, while NAND flash prices could rise by 70–75%.
Are you planning to upgrade your smartphone?
❤️ — Yes, probably soon!
🤔 — I'll wait for a better opportunity...