Vivo and iQOO Raise Smartphone Prices in India Amid Global RAM Shortage

​Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO have increased prices for several smartphone models in India. This move follows a global rise in demand for RAM, driven by AI data centres, which has led to higher memory costs for smartphone manufacturers. The updated prices are now visible on the official Vivo India website.

Key Highlights

• ​Vivo and iQOO have raised smartphone prices in India due to global RAM shortage
• Price increases range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 across several Vivo and iQOO models
• Vivo V70 Pro 8GB/256GB now costs Rs 55,999, up from Rs 51,999 at launch
• Vivo X300 Ultra expected to launch in India at a premium price in May 2026

Price Hikes Across Vivo and iQOO Models

The price increases affect a range of Vivo smartphones, including the V70 series, T5x, and Y series. The adjustments range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000, depending on the model. For example, the Vivo V70 Pro, which launched at Rs 51,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant, now costs Rs 55,999. The 12GB/256GB version has risen from Rs 56,999 to Rs 59,999.

The standard Vivo V70 has also seen a price increase. The 8GB/256GB model is now Rs 49,999, up from Rs 45,999 at launch. The 12GB/256GB variant is now Rs 53,999, compared to its original price of Rs 49,999.

​iQOO, Vivo's spin-off brand, has updated prices for theiQOO 15R and iQOO Z11x. The iQOO 15R's 8GB/256GB model now costs Rs 46,999, up from Rs 44,999. The 12GB/256GB variant has increased by Rs 3,000 to Rs 50,999, while the 12GB/512GB model is now Rs 57,999, a Rs 5,000 hike.

Impact of Global RAM Shortage

The ongoing memory shortage is affecting smartphone pricing worldwide. The demand for RAM from AI data centres has pushed up component costs. As a result, smartphone makers like Vivo and iQOO are passing some of these costs on to consumers.

Industry analysts expect the memory shortage to persist until at least 2027. This situation may continue to influence pricing for both smartphones and computers in the coming years.

Upcoming Vivo Flagship Launch

​Vivo is preparing to launch its flagship X300 Ultra in India. The device is already available in China, starting at 6,999 Yuan (about Rs 96,000) for the 12GB/256GB model. The X300 Ultra features Zeiss-branded cameras and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Vivo has teased the device in India, with a rumoured launch date of May 7, 2026.

Given the current market conditions, the X300 Ultra is expected to be priced in the premium segment. It may compete with other flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, both of which start at Rs 1,39,999 in India. Final pricing will depend on factors like import duties and taxes.

Consumer Outlook

Consumers in India will likely face higher prices for new smartphones as the memory shortage continues. Vivo and iQOO have not commented publicly on the price changes. Updates will be provided if the companies issue official statements.