NOTHING CEO WARNS PHONE PRICES WILL KEEP RISING

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

FRI, JUN 12, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Nothing's CEO Carl Pei says now is the time to buy a smartphone, as memory costs continue to surge. The company has already felt the impact on its mid-range Phone 4A.

Memory chip costs have become a significant cost driver for smartphone manufacturers. According to Pei, RAM prices for the Phone 4A doubled between when Nothing decided to build the device and its launch, then doubled again since. The RAM shortage reflects broader supply chain challenges affecting the smartphone industry. Pei's warning aligns with comments from other manufacturers at Mobile World Congress, where executives acknowledged rising component costs. For consumers, the message is clear: smartphone prices are expected to climb further. Budget and mid-range phones will likely feel the pressure first, as manufacturers like Nothing rely on cost efficiency to compete in these segments. The timing poses a dilemma for upgrade cycles. Those considering a new phone face a choice between current pricing or waiting for potential future announcements—albeit at higher costs.

■ SOURCES

► The Verge

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NOTHING CEO WARNS PHONE PRICES WILL KEEP RISING

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