Counterpoint Research says since the start of 2026 rising global memory prices
have pushed retail prices higher for more than 40% of smartphone models — the
first time at this scale in the industry. Newly released models are about 25%
pricier than comparable launches a year earlier. Global average retail
smartphone price is up roughly 15% in 2026, with some models seeing near-100%
increases. Manufacturers are passing higher storage and other component costs to
consumers. Price-sensitive markets saw the largest increases: India +21%, APAC
+19%, Middle East & Africa +18%. Markets with a larger high-end mix or
carrier-led distribution experienced smaller rises: China +10%, Europe +7%, US
+5%. Price moves are concentrated in newly launched models.
