Core Viewpoint - The memory price increase driven by strong AI demand is expected to significantly impact the smartphone industry, with mid-range models facing the most pressure while high-end models remain relatively safe [2][6][10]. Group 1: Impact of Memory Price Increase - The memory cost as a percentage of Average Selling Price (ASP) varies significantly across different smartphone segments, with mid-range models like Redmi experiencing over 10% impact, while high-end models like iPhone 17 Pro Max only see 4% [1][7][9]. - The report indicates that mobile DRAM contract prices are projected to rise by 30%-40% quarter-on-quarter by Q4 2025, with NAND prices also increasing in the high single-digit percentage range [2][5]. - The supply chain for mobile memory is expected to remain tight at least until mid-2026, exacerbated by chip manufacturers pausing quotes, creating a dilemma for smartphone manufacturers [4][5]. Group 2: Strategies for Survival - High-end transformation is identified as the most effective buffer against price increases, as high-end models have lower memory cost ratios and higher profit margins [11]. - Supply chain management capabilities are crucial for risk mitigation, with leading manufacturers securing long-term supply agreements and increasing collaboration with domestic storage manufacturers [11]. - Technological innovation is seen as a new pathway, with manufacturers promoting high-performance chips like LPDDR5X to enhance storage efficiency and AI smartphones potentially offering new opportunities through data compression techniques [11]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Trends - Historical patterns suggest that memory price increases often lead to industry consolidation, with smaller brands struggling to adapt and larger firms gaining market share [12]. - The current memory price surge, combined with AI-driven capacity restructuring, may further reinforce the trend of "the strong getting stronger" in the smartphone market [12].
伯恩斯坦:以史为鉴,内存涨价对手机行业影响有多大?