Technology

Skyrocketing costs for memory will jack up smartphone prices — Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi warns of higher prices for new devices

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Oct 25, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

Xiaomi warns of higher smartphone prices due to skyrocketing memory costs, with the base model of the Redmi K90 series priced at $364, $14 more than its predecessor. The company plans to lower the price of the most popular model by $42 for the first month of sales. The cost increase is attributed to rising NAND and DRAM prices, driven by AI infrastructure development and supply chain constraints. This trend is expected to impact consumer pricing across various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and desktops.

Read Full Article

Samsung and SK hynix warn AI-driven memory shortages could last until 2027 and beyond, as HBM demand explodes — customers already reserving supply years ahead, while the wider DRAM market begins to tighten

Samsung and SK hynix are warning of AI-driven memory shortages potentially lasting until 2027 and beyond, with HBM demand surging. The companies are struggling to meet demand as customers reserve supply years in advance, impacting the broader DRAM market. The shortages are fueled by the need for high-speed memory in AI infrastructure, particularly HBM, which is challenging to manufacture. Despite efforts to develop alternative memory technologies, the demand for existing memory remains overwhelming, prompting companies to invest in expanding production capacity. The memory crunch is part of a larger trend of resource shortages in the tech industry due to the rapid growth of AI infrastructure.

Tom's Hardware•

1 day ago

Global memory shortage expected to get worse before it gets better

The global memory shortage is expected to worsen, with reports indicating that DRAM shortages may persist until the end of the decade. Major manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are investing in expanding production facilities, but the additional capacity won't be fully operational until 2027 or later, leading to a multi-year supply gap. The rise in AI infrastructure demand for high-bandwidth memory is prioritizing production over traditional DRAM used in consumer devices, causing further supply constraints. Analysts predict a shortfall in production growth compared to demand, potentially extending the memory shortage until 2030, resulting in continued high prices for consumers.

TweakTown•

1 week ago

40 years ago we entered the megabit memory era with IBM’s DRAM breakthrough — a major leap beyond the 64 kilobit chips common at the time

IBM marked the beginning of the megabit memory era 40 years ago by introducing 1-megabit memory chips, a significant advancement from the 64 kilobit chips prevalent at the time. Despite initial skepticism, IBM's 1-megabit chips, manufactured in the USA, showcased semiconductor technology leadership. This breakthrough paved the way for higher-density memory and more efficient computing devices, enabling the production of 1MB RAM SIMMs. The introduction of these memory chips revolutionized the tech industry and set the stage for further advancements in memory technology.

Tom's Hardware•

1 week ago

SemiEngineering

Unraveling DRAM SAQP Process Complexity With Monte Carlo Virtual Fabrication

The article discusses the complexity of the DRAM SAQP process and how small variations in mandrel and spacer dimensions can impact DRAM performance and yield. It explains the use of advanced multi-patterning schemes like Self-Aligned Quadruple Patterning (SAQP) to achieve sub-lithographic dimensions. The article highlights how the SAQP process can amplify small variations, leading to issues like line-bridge defects. The Semiverse Solutions team used Monte Carlo virtual fabrication to evaluate these interactions and define a safer SAQP process window. The study demonstrates how virtual fabrication can accelerate process development in advanced DRAM technology.

SemiEngineering•

2 weeks ago