BUDGET PHONES IN 2026: WHAT $100 ACTUALLY BUYS
■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE
Finding a functional smartphone at or under $100 in 2026 requires strategy and flexibility. Budget options exist, but buyers need to know where to look and what compromises to expect.
■ MORE FROM THE HARDWARE DESK
Clicks has released its Power Keyboard, a $99 slide-out attachment that brings BlackBerry-style typing to MagSafe and Qi2 smartphones. The accessory offers customizable keys but adds significant weight to larger devices.
Baillie Gifford investment manager Paulina McPadden argues that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and SK Hynix maintain near-monopoly positions in advanced chip production that China cannot quickly replicate, despite Beijing's push to fund domestic AI capabilities.
Chinese humanoid robot makers captured over 97% of global shipments in the first half of 2026, shipping approximately 19,100 units—nearly quadrupling the 5,100 units shipped in the same period last year.
The 256GB iPhone 18 Pro will carry a bill of materials cost roughly 38% higher than its iPhone 17 Pro predecessor, with memory components now accounting for 34% of total BOM expenses, according to TrendForce analysis.