Global low‑cost smartphone shipments set to fall 22% as storage prices surge

Omdia research shows that continued DRAM and NAND price increases are driving a sharp decline in the sub‑$400 smartphone segment. Shipments of phones priced at $400 or less are projected to drop more than 22% year‑on‑year, contributing to an overall global smartphone shipment decline of about 12% in 2026. In contrast, the premium market (above $400) is expected to grow roughly 5.7%, with stronger resilience in higher‑priced models.

In Japan, retailers are highlighting mid‑range Android phones that offer strong value despite the broader price pressure. Four models promoted during Prime Day include the arrows Alpha (around ¥60,000 with 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage), the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G (≈¥44,000 with a 200‑MP camera), the Galaxy A57 5G (≈¥70,000 with IP68 water resistance), and the Redmi 15 5G (≈¥32,000 with a 7,000 mAh battery). These deals illustrate how consumers are seeking cost‑effective devices while manufacturers contend with rising component costs.