Oneplus, oppo raise prices: is your phone upgrade now urgently needed?

The smartphone market just got a little more expensive. Following earlier hints, Oppo and OnePlus have officially begun raising prices on select current models in China, and the ripple effect could soon reach global markets. But this isn't just about new releases—existing devices are now carrying a higher price tag, and another major player is poised to follow suit.

The china price hike: how much are we talking?

The initial price increases, already underway in China, range from 200 to 500 yuan (approximately $29 to $73). The impact varies by model; the OnePlus 15, for example, has seen a 500 yuan bump—a roughly 12% increase that brings its price to 4,499 yuan ($653). Even more dramatic is the 19% price jump for the OnePlus Ace 6, escalating its cost from 2,599 yuan ($378) to 3,099 yuan ($449). Devices in Oppo’s K13 series and at least one K12 model are also affected, though surprisingly, Oppo’s flagship phones remain untouched—for now.

Vivo joins the trend: a global shift?

Oppo’s move wasn’t a lone instance of market recalibration. Vivo, another giant in the smartphone arena, has announced impending price increases for its devices, including those from its iQOO sub-brand, effective March 18th. While these adjustments are currently confined to China, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this trend will extend to Europe and the United States.

The memory shortage and the urgency to upgrade

The underlying cause of this price escalation isn’t simply corporate greed. A persistent global memory shortage is significantly impacting component costs, and this is almost certainly the primary driver behind the price hikes. Experts predict the shortage will linger, meaning phones are likely to continue becoming more expensive.

Don't wait: the best time to upgrade might be now

The news isn't all doom and gloom. For those considering a new smartphone, the current situation presents a unique opportunity. While waiting for prices to potentially drop further seems logical, the ongoing memory shortage suggests the opposite is more likely. Unless you're content with paying a premium down the line, now might be the optimal moment to upgrade your device. The gamble of waiting for a price decrease is quickly becoming a risky proposition.