Memory is now the most expensive component in a smartphone. It is more expensive than the processor, more expensive than the display, and can account for more than 50% of the total hardware bill.
For the phone (4A), the cost of memory doubled between the time we decided to build the device and when it was launched. Since then they have doubled again.
I posted about it earlier this year. This is now happening much faster than anticipated.
Phone prices are rising, and they will continue to rise into the next year. Since February, new phones have been launching up to $100 more expensive than their predecessors. In India, phones above ₹30K have seen a price increase of ₹7,000 or more.
The natural tendency is to purchase further. It doesn’t work that way. When there is a shortage, memory is allocated, not purchased. You will get what is given to you, at the current price.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade a device, the best time was yesterday. The next best time is now. In this year’s sale season, you will not get the same discounts that people get.
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