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Google confirms Pixel phones, including the Pixel 10a, will cost more as soaring RAM prices reshape smartphone economics worldwide.
Neowin
@UsamaJawad96 ·
Jul 26, 2026 07:06 EDT
Google’s Pixel 11 series is just around the corner, with new models showing up on the FCC as well. However, the elephant in the room that companies are now beginning to address is the RAM shortage spearheaded by AI firms and the increase in cost that this is streaming down to consumer devices. For example, REDMAGIC confirmed to us that the primary reason behind the $200 price hike of the Astra 2 Gaming Tablet compared to last year’s model is the global increase in RAM costs. Now, Google has made a similar statement with regards to its Pixel lineup.
In a statement to 9to5Google, the firm’s Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat confirmed that just like all other companies around the globe, Google is impacted by the surge in RAM pricing and other supply chain components in general too. Although the tech giant has shielded its customers from direct impact wherever possible up till now, the “economics have fundamentally shifted and we’re not immune to that.”
Barkat also highlighted research from Morgan Stanley which showed that the cost of 1GB RAM has skyrocketed from $2.80 last year to $12 in 2026.
The executive has confirmed that all Pixel devices (including the Pixel 10a) will see a price hike, but we will know specifics at the Pixel 11 launch on August 12. From credible leaks, we already know that the entry-level Pixel will likely cost $100 more than its predecessor, and feature 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB. Although Google is trying to sweeten the pot a bit by offering 256GB of storage instead of 128GB, it’ll be interesting to see if this moves the needle in a positive direction for the firm.
However, Barkat emphasized that Google isn’t simply increasing device cost for its customers. It is trying to work around the RAM problem by “aggressively engineering” a solution that reduces Android and the associated app ecosystem’s requirements so that users can enjoy a fluid experience even with less amount of RAM.
We don’t have concrete details about the extent of these engineering efforts or the purported price hike for Pixel devices yet, but we’ll likely find out in a couple of weeks.