Computer Prices Rise, Are Phones Next? Industry Insiders: Don't Blindly Hoard Inventory!

In March of this year, the global storage chip price hike continued to penetrate consumer electronics terminals. Due to soaring costs of upstream core components, domestic digital product prices showed clear differentiation. On March 11, reporters visited several digital stores in the city and found that computer prices had already been raised first. Currently, mobile phone prices remain stable, with some essential users choosing to buy before the price increase, while some citizens are adopting a wait-and-see attitude.

Market Visit

Increased store traffic, computers have already adjusted prices

On March 11, reporters visited multiple digital stores including Nanning Electronics Technology Plaza and JD Electronics on Minzu Avenue and learned that the computer market has undergone substantial price adjustments. In the ASUS computer counter, many customers inquiring about prices were seen. Staff said all products involving memory and SSD configurations have been adjusted, with increases ranging from 5% to 10%. “If storage chip prices continue to rise, further price adjustments are possible, and the upward trend is unlikely to ease in the short term.”

For the same top-tier computer brand, HP, some models still maintain their original discounts, but the 2026 flagship models have clearly signaled a price increase, with expected hikes of 200 to 300 yuan. Dealers admitted that this round of price adjustments is part of the industry’s overall trend, and multiple rounds of price increases for computers are likely.

Unlike the computer market, the mobile phone section currently maintains stable prices, with some models also benefiting from back-to-school discounts and national trade-in subsidies. A staff member at JD Electronics Huawei counter said that all current models are priced without fluctuation. One popular model, after applying the national subsidy, is about 700 yuan cheaper than the official original price. Similar situations are seen at Xiaomi and vivo counters. The 2025 models remain firm in price, while the 2026 flagship models have an intention to adjust prices but have not yet been implemented.

The reporter noted that, influenced by overall price increase expectations, foot traffic at major stores has significantly increased. Many citizens are purchasing with the mindset of “buying before prices go up.” The computer section is the hottest, with some popular high-memory models experiencing stock shortages.

Citizen Feedback

Urgent buyers purchase early, mostly opting for large memory

“Not buying now, I’m afraid prices will only go higher later,” said citizen Mr. Li, who originally planned to upgrade his computer in the second half of the year. After comparing prices over the past week and seeing many models already increased, he decided to buy early.

In addition to early purchases, choosing large memory models in one go has become a new option for citizens. Ms. Huang, shopping for her soon-to-start university child, originally planned to buy in September. After learning about the price hike, she came immediately and specifically chose a large memory version, “to save money on future upgrades.”

Many dealers said that recently, the proportion of citizens buying high-configuration computers and large-memory phones has increased significantly. “Everyone knows storage chips are getting more expensive, and they worry that future storage upgrades will cost more. So they prefer to spend a little more now on large-memory versions, which are more convenient and retain value better,” said a computer dealer of a certain brand.

In the face of the price hike, some buy early, while others remain cautious. Citizen Mr. Zhang originally wanted to change his phone. Although he knew prices might rise, his current phone still works fine, and since it’s not an urgent need, plus the rapid pace of phone updates, he plans to wait until storage prices fall and the market stabilizes before buying.

Industry Analysis

Price increases may continue; rational consumption is advised

Mr. Xiao, staff at Xiaomi’s offline stores, said that models like Xiaomi Turbo5 are expected to see price adjustments of 100 to 200 yuan, but the increase will be controlled. “The transmission speed of mobile phone price hikes is slower than that of computers. Consumers with urgent needs can prioritize older models.” vivo plans to increase prices for the 2026 flagship by 200 to 300 yuan, while the 2025 models will keep their prices stable.

To cope with the price hike trend, major digital stores in Nanning have prepared stock in advance and launched various discounts. Industry insiders predict that over the next one to two months, the effect of storage chip price increases will further propagate. New models in Nanning’s mobile phone market will gradually undergo price adjustments, and a second round of computer price hikes may occur. The “price increase pressure” in the digital circle will persist. Nevertheless, industry experts and practitioners still advise citizens to consume rationally, buy according to needs, and avoid stockpiling digital products.