Nothing CEO Carl Pei has warned that smartphone prices are unlikely to drop in the near future, citing ongoing RAM shortages as a key factor. In a post on X, Pei echoed concerns raised at Mobile World Congress, stating that the best time to upgrade a phone was "yesterday." The shortage has already impacted the production costs of Nothing’s more affordable mid-range models, forcing the company to adjust pricing strategies.

Pei’s comments reflect a broader industry trend where component constraints are driving up device costs across the Android ecosystem. While Nothing has positioned itself as a disruptor with transparent pricing and innovative design, even the brand is not immune to global supply chain pressures. The RAM shortage, which began affecting manufacturers in late 2025, has led to higher bill-of-materials costs, particularly for devices relying on faster memory configurations.

For content creators who rely on smartphones for photography, video editing, and live streaming, this means upgrading sooner rather than later could offer better value. Delaying purchases may result in higher out-of-pocket costs as prices continue to climb. Pei’s advice underscores the importance of timing in tech purchases amid volatile component markets.

The situation highlights how macroeconomic and supply chain factors directly influence creator gear budgets. As manufacturers pass on increased costs, mid-tier devices—once seen as reliable budget options—are becoming less affordable. Creators are advised to monitor promotions, consider slightly older flagship models, or explore trade-in programs to mitigate rising expenses.

Nothing has not disclosed specific price increases or timelines, but Pei’s statement confirms that the upward pricing pressure is real and ongoing. The company continues to focus on delivering value through software updates and design, even as hardware costs rise. For now, the message to creators is clear: act now or pay more later.