The RAM shortage is pushing Android phone prices up and specs down. Here's why waiting makes sense.
AI data centers are soaking up memory supply, and phone RAM is not first in line.
IDC expects average phone prices to climb 14% to a record $523 as shipments fall 12.9% in 2026.
Every Pixel 11 model costs about $100 more, and the Pro and Pro XL dropped from 16GB to 12GB of base RAM.
Google and Samsung now promise six to seven years of updates on recent flagships.
Keep your phone, replace the battery, or buy last year's model. Memory prices may stabilize by mid-2027.
The RAM Crunch Is Making New Android Phones a Worse Deal. Skip This Year’s Upgrade