Xiaomi adopts measures to deal with the rise in memory component costs, which affect smartphone production across the sector.
The Chinese company is considering removing variants with 1TB of internal storage from the Redmi and POCO lines, focused on intermediaries.
This strategy aims to preserve cost-benefit competitiveness by limiting maximum storage to 512GB on many models.
The crisis, driven by the demand for chips in artificial intelligence projects, is already causing readjustments in tablets and could extend to cell phones in 2026.
Origins of the crisis in the components
The shortage of DRAM and NAND chips results from the prioritization of production for AI servers by vendors such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.
These manufacturers posted record profits in 2025 but reduced supply for mobile devices.
Consultancies such as TrendForce predict continued price increases in the first quarter of 2026.
- Demand for high-bandwidth memories (HBM) has diverted manufacturing capacity.
- Supply contracts recorded increases of up to 100% in some components at the end of 2025.
- Global stocks have fallen to critical levels, with just 2 to 4 weeks of reserves in October.
Adjustments to the Xiaomi catalog
The Xiaomi concentrates initial changes to the Redmi and POCO sub-brands, known for generous storage options.
Intermediate models from 2026 should lose 1TB variants, keeping them only in premium flagships.
Entry-level cell phones may return to configurations with 4GB of RAM to contain costs.
The company has already applied increases of 100 to 300 yuan on tablets, equivalent to moderate adjustments in local currency.
Other strategies adopted
Xiaomi executives admit to removing chargers from the box in basic and intermediate lines.
This measure helps to offset part of the high costs without full transfers to the consumer.
The company seeks to optimize software, such as HyperOS updates, to better manage limited resources.
Staggered adjustments in smartphone prices are planned throughout 2026.
Effects on the global market
Other brands face similar pressures, with reports of reductions in RAM specifications in entry-level devices.
TrendForce has revised downwards smartphone and notebook production projections for next year.
Chinese manufacturers, including Realme and Oppo, signal possible increases of 20% to 30% on some models.
Additional measures under study
Xiaomi is evaluating reducing the overall portfolio to focus on more economically viable configurations.
Expanded storage options via microSD cards may return on certain devices.
The company monitors the evolution of NAND prices, which have accumulated increases of more than 200% in some contracts.
The priority remains on maintaining accessibility for consumers in popular segments.
Consumer projections
Users of the Redmi and POCO lines should find fewer high-capacity options in future launches.
High-end models, such as Ultra variants, probably preserve 1TB as a differential.
The crisis is expected to last until at least mid-2026, according to industry analysts.
Adjustments aim to balance specifications and prices in a scenario of restricted supplies.
