Most online news outlets are not analysing the full picture. They simply say that smartphones or computers will become more expensive.
But I, Sílvio, from Realidade Oculta, tell you this: it will affect everything — including the price of USB flash drives, external hard drives, smartwatches and even the monthly fees for online services that many people already use on a daily basis (AI translators, ChatGPT, AI video editors, web hosting and similar services).
What is really happening?
Hundreds of new data centers dedicated to Artificial Intelligence are being built all over the world. These centers not only consume huge amounts of natural resources (energy to operate and water for cooling), but also absorb a significant share of the electronic components available on the market.
Demand for memory (DRAM) and storage (NAND/SSDs) has surged due to the expansion of AI data centers, which require large amounts of high-speed memory and specialised chips. This demand is placing strong pressure on the global supply.
Memory manufacturers are prioritising contracts with large technology companies and data center operators, where profit margins are higher, thus reducing the capacity allocated to consumer markets — PCs, tablets and smartphones.
As a result, memory prices have already risen significantly. Companies such as Samsung have increased the prices of some chips by as much as 60%, driven by growing demand.
Expected impact on device prices
In 2026, prices for computers, tablets and smartphones are expected to rise. Several reports and analyses point to increases ranging from 6% to 20%, or even more, depending on the type of device and the market segment.
PCs may become around 8% more expensive on average, due to the crisis in the supply of DRAM and other components.
Smartphones are also expected to become more expensive, with estimated increases of 7% or more, especially in entry-level and mid-range models, where component costs weigh more heavily on the final price.
Manufacturers such as Acer, Asus and Dell have already publicly admitted that they are preparing price increases, driven by the rising cost of memory modules.
In short: the pressure caused by the explosion of AI will not be limited to a few products — it will be reflected in virtually all the technology we use, directly or indirectly.
SUMMARY:
My perspective (Sílvio).
Everything will become more expensive, including the online services we use and antivirus subscriptions, etc., because all of these services run on infrastructure hosted in data centers.
These data centers are paying for:
more expensive memory and SSDs;
higher energy costs;
increasingly contested specialised hardware (especially for AI).
Reduction in quality:
Some brands may try to “mislead” consumers and sell tablets, smartphones or computers at the usual price, but cut features or replace components with cheaper alternatives.
Less RAM out of the box (8 GB instead of 16 GB). Slower SSDs (fewer NAND channels). Lower-resolution displays, smaller-capacity batteries, laptops without chargers, etc.
In the end, the one who loses is the consumer (you).
Possible solutions:
Buy now, before prices rise further.
Buy second-hand or refurbished devices (Grade A).
Excellent value for money.
Equipment is usually tested, cleaned and comes with a warranty. Buy from trusted websites.
Silvio Guerrinha
Sources consulted: BBC , The Verge, Tech Radar, Financial Times
0 Comments