Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo Raise Prices in China on Chip Costs

Chinese smartphone manufacturers Oppo, OnePlus, and Vivo have begun raising prices on select models this week, citing surging costs for semiconductors and memory chips amid a global shortage. The increases, which range from 200 to 500 yuan (about 29 to 73 U.S. dollars), took effect immediately for Oppo and OnePlus devices in China, while Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO plan adjustments starting March 18.

The price hikes stem from escalating production expenses driven by high demand for memory components, particularly from artificial intelligence servers, and constraints in chip manufacturing. Industry analysts have noted that suppliers have struggled to ramp up output, compounded by rising costs for raw materials like metals and energy due to geopolitical tensions. Oppo and OnePlus, which share corporate ownership, announced the changes last week, affecting mid-range and some flagship models but sparing top-tier devices like Oppo's Find X9 Pro.

Specific adjustments include a 500-yuan increase for the base model of the OnePlus 15, bringing its price to 4,499 yuan (approximately 653 U.S. dollars), a roughly 12 percent rise. The OnePlus Ace 6 saw a steeper 500-yuan jump to 3,099 yuan...