Rising Chip and Hardware Costs (Chipflation)

Memory crisis driving up prices 30%. Qualcomm double-digit price hike after Sept 1. Smartphone makers pushing subscriptions/leases; Google dynamic pricing for Pixel 11. New: hidden chip compromise article reveals binned chips as cost-saving measure, MediaTek lack of transparency. Galaxy S26 FE leaked at €799. Budget options like Moto G47 under $200 still available. Smartphones under $100 vanishing (64% sales drop). New articles: Memory prices may kill all Galaxy S27 Ultra competitors, leaving Samsung as only global player. 'There’s No Reason to Buy a New Phone Anymore' highlights used/refurbished market growth. 'Why Smartphones Are Getting More Expensive to Build' reinforces entry-level cost surge. Foldable smartphone shipments forecast to double by 2028, with wide-format form factors driving growth. Recently read: 'Why phones, consoles & laptops are rocketing by £100s in...' adds consumer advice on buying used.