Why are the best phones so expensive right now?
Credit: René Ramos / Mashable
If you’re in the market for a new phone right now, you should know that it’ll cost you more than usual. The best phones were never cheap, but smartphone prices surged in 2026 amid a global RAM shortage driven by the AI boom (commonly known as “RAMageddon”). New AI data centers are hogging supplies of memory and SSD storage chips, driving up their prices. Consequently, consumer tech devices with memory components are also getting more expensive. (RAMageddon price hikes have also taken a toll on laptops and gaming consoles.)
So far, we’ve seen Apple, Google, and Samsung all raise the prices of their new smartphones at launch. This fall, Samsung implemented another $100 to $200 price hike across its Galaxy S26 lineup, while Apple increased the prices of some older iPhones by $100.
With this in mind, it’s especially wise to shop around for deals and carrier promotions before buying your new phone. Trading in an older device is the easiest way to save several hundred dollars on an upgrade. Some carriers will give you a new phone for free (in the form of monthly bill credits) if you also sign up for a new line or certain data plans. For example, the new iPhone 18 Pro is free with eligible trade-ins and plans through AT&T and T-Mobile.
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What’s new
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
In early November 2026, I made some adjustments to this guide after our latest round of testing:
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The Apple iPhone Duo is our new favorite foldable iPhone.
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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is now our top Android foldable.
Last month, I added the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as picks for photography and battery life, respectively.
What about the iPhone Air?
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Released in fall 2025, the iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest phone ever. Its ultra-sleek design is appealing, but it has worse battery life and inferior cameras compared to the standard iPhone 17 (which runs on the same processor… and costs $200 less). We think it’s a very pretty and well-made phone, but not one of the best overall. For more info, check out our iPhone Air review and our dedicated guide to the best iPhones.
