Xiaomi has raised prices on several tablet models in China by up to 20 percent, starting this week. The move comes amid surging costs for memory chips, driven by global demand from artificial intelligence projects and supply shortages.
Why Prices Are Climbing Now
Rising memory chip costs have hit the tech industry hard in 2025. Manufacturers like Xiaomi face higher expenses for key parts such as DRAM and storage, which make up a big chunk of device production budgets.
Experts point to a memory supercycle fueled by AI data centers. These centers need massive amounts of high-end chips, leaving less supply for everyday gadgets like tablets and smartphones. A recent report from industry trackers notes that DRAM prices jumped over 50 percent in the last quarter alone.
This surge follows warnings from Xiaomi leaders earlier in the year. Company president Lu Weibing highlighted that memory costs exceeded forecasts, forcing tough choices. Now, those pressures show up in retail prices, affecting buyers in China first.
The timing aligns with broader market shifts. Samsung, a major chip supplier, increased its memory prices by up to 60 percent in November 2025, adding fuel to the fire.
Which Models Face the Biggest Hits
Xiaomi targeted its popular tablet lines for these adjustments. The changes affect entry-level and premium options, with hikes ranging from 100 to 200 yuan.
Here is a breakdown of the affected models and their new prices:
| Model | Old Starting Price (Yuan) | New Starting Price (Yuan) | Increase (Yuan) | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Pad 8 | 2,199 | 2,299 | 100 | About 5% |
| Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro | 2,799 | 2,899 | 100 | About 4% |
| Redmi Pad 2 (Base) | 999 | 1,199 | 200 | 20% |
| Redmi Pad 2 (Higher Config) | 1,199 | 1,399 | 200 | About 17% |
These updates apply to all configurations of the Redmi Pad 2 series. The base model saw the steepest jump, making it less affordable for budget shoppers.
Industry insiders say these models were picked because they rely heavily on memory-intensive features like high-resolution screens and multitasking capabilities. Buyers now pay more for the same specs, which could slow sales in a competitive market.
Broader Impact on the Tech Market
This price bump is not just a Xiaomi issue. Other brands feel the squeeze too. Reports indicate Huawei and MediaTek are turning to domestic suppliers to cut costs, but relief might not come soon.
Global smartphone shipments could drop by 2 percent in 2026 due to these chip shortages, according to market researchers. That means fewer devices overall, with higher tags on the ones that hit shelves.
For consumers, it translates to pricier tech upgrades. Some analysts predict Android makers might even reduce RAM in future models to keep costs down. For example, base phones could ship with just 4GB of RAM by mid-2026, down from current standards.
This trend ties into the AI boom. As companies pour billions into data centers, everyday electronics take a back seat. Events like the recent chip price hikes from Samsung in November 2025 underscore how interconnected these markets are.
Logical reasoning suggests manufacturers will pass on more costs if supplies stay tight. Shoppers might delay purchases, waiting for prices to stabilize.
What It Means for Buyers Worldwide
While the hikes are China-specific for now, global effects could follow. Xiaomi sells tablets in many countries, and rising component costs do not stop at borders.
International prices might rise in early 2026 if trends continue. Buyers should watch for deals on current stock before adjustments spread.
Key tips for smart shopping in this environment include:
- Compare models across brands for the best value.
- Look for bundles that include accessories to offset higher base prices.
- Consider refurbished or older models if new ones stretch the budget.
These steps can help navigate the changes without overspending.
Future Outlook and Industry Responses
Looking ahead, relief might come from new production lines. Some firms plan to boost output of consumer-grade chips in 2026, but AI demand could still dominate.
Xiaomi and peers might innovate around the crunch, like optimizing software for lower memory use. Recent events, such as Micron scaling back on certain chip lines in December 2025, add uncertainty.
Overall, the industry adapts, but consumers bear the short-term pain. Staying informed helps make better choices.
What do you think about these price changes? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to help others stay updated.
