The global memory chip shortage, driven by soaring demand for AI infrastructure, is now reshaping smartphone pricing in Indonesia. Xiaomi has begun adjusting prices across selected Redmi and Poco models, and some devices have become as much as $62 more expensive in local retail channels.
The impact is not limited to a single handset. Price checks on official sites and sales channels in early April 2026 showed increases ranging from about $12 to $62, depending on the model, RAM size, and storage configuration.
Why Xiaomi prices are moving up
Xiaomi President Lu Weibing said memory component costs have climbed sharply over the past few quarters. He noted that a 12 GB/512 GB memory package alone cost the company an additional 1,500 yuan, or roughly $205, in Q1 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.
That increase was described as extremely aggressive, reaching about four times the level seen in the first quarter of the previous year. As a result, smartphone makers are being pushed to revise pricing so they can preserve production continuity and protect margins, especially on models that use larger memory configurations.
Redmi feels the pressure first
Redmi appears to be the most exposed brand because it competes in the affordable segment. Phones that were once built around aggressive pricing are now facing revisions, including entry-level and midrange models that depend on tight cost control.
In China, Xiaomi reportedly canceled promotions for the Redmi Turbo 5 and Turbo 5 Max, while the Redmi K90 Pro Max is set to rise by 200 yuan, or about $27. These moves show that the memory crisis is affecting not only retail prices but also marketing plans and launch strategies.
What changed in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the price adjustments were visible across Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco products. The increases vary by model, which means consumers looking for specific RAM and storage options need to compare prices carefully before buying.
Here are several examples already observed in the Indonesian market:
- Redmi 15 8 GB/128 GB moved to about $154 from an earlier launch price near $141.
- Redmi 15 also rose by around $27 compared with its debut price of about $128.
- Xiaomi 15T 12 GB/256 GB now sells for about $461, up roughly $62 from its launch price of about $399.
- Poco C85 6 GB/128 GB increased to about $120, or about $32 higher than its launch price near $97.
How Xiaomi explains the pricing review
Andi Renreng, Marketing Director of Xiaomi Indonesia, said product prices are influenced by many factors and are reviewed regularly. He added that the company adjusts pricing to keep the value offered aligned with the quality and innovation delivered to the market.
That explanation matters because smartphone pricing is rarely shaped by a single item. Global supply chains, production costs, logistics, and distribution strategy all help determine the final price that consumers see in stores.
Price changes seen across selected models
| Model | RAM/Storage | New Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 15 | 8 GB/128 GB | about $154 | about $12 |
| Xiaomi 15T | 12 GB/256 GB | about $461 | about $62 |
| Poco C85 | 6 GB/128 GB | about $120 | about $32 |
What buyers in Indonesia should watch next
The memory shortage is not only a Xiaomi issue, but Xiaomi is among the clearest examples of how AI-related chip demand is reaching consumer devices. If demand for memory from AI servers stays elevated, RAM and storage costs may remain under pressure, especially for phones with larger configurations.
That could keep prices firm for Redmi, Xiaomi, and Poco models in Indonesia, while also influencing promotions, launch bundles, and upgrade decisions for buyers who want higher storage at a lower cost.
