Smartphone prices are on the rise, with increasing costs for RAM and chipsets forcing Android brands to charge more for new devices. Qualcomm has informed its partners of a double-digit percentage price increase for its chipsets, effective September 1, 2026. This increase stems from rising manufacturing costs that Qualcomm can no longer absorb.

This price hike will affect numerous Android brands, including Samsung, One Plus, Xiaomi, and Honor, as Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips are widely used. Consequently, consumers can expect to pay more for their next smartphone purchase, likely in late 2026 or 2027. While sales events will still offer deals, the base prices of devices are projected to climb.

This trend follows existing price increases from companies like Samsung on its Galaxy Z8 lineup and anticipated higher prices for Google's upcoming Pixel 11 series. The elevated component costs are a significant factor contributing to the overall increase in smartphone prices.