Why Device Prices Are Rising in 2026 and Why Refurbished Tech Makes Sense
The cost of smartphones, laptops and tablets is expected to rise again in 2026. Many people are already feeling the impact when upgrading their devices, and the reasons behind these increases are becoming clearer. Two of the biggest factors are the rising cost of memory and the growing demand for artificial intelligence features.
As technology becomes more advanced, the price of brand new devices continues to climb. This is why more people are turning to refurbished tech as a smarter and more practical alternative.
The Rising Cost of Memory
Modern devices rely heavily on memory to perform well. Higher amounts of RAM allow phones and laptops to run faster, multitask more smoothly and support demanding apps.
The global demand for memory chips has increased significantly, driven by everything from consumer electronics to data centres. As supply struggles to keep up, manufacturers are passing those higher costs on to customers.
Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Devices
Artificial intelligence is now built into many everyday features. From smarter cameras and voice assistants to on device processing and advanced security, AI requires more powerful hardware.
This added capability means more advanced components and higher production costs. While these features can be impressive, they often come with a noticeable price increase that not everyone needs or wants.
Why New Devices Are Becoming Less Accessible
As RAM and AI driven hardware become standard, entry level devices are becoming more expensive. What was once considered a mid range phone or laptop is now priced closer to premium territory.
For many people, this makes buying brand new tech harder to justify, especially when their existing device still meets most of their needs.
The Case for Refurbished Tech
Refurbished devices offer a way to avoid these rising costs without compromising on quality. Many refurbished phones and laptops still deliver excellent performance and support modern software with ease.
These devices are tested, cleaned and graded, giving confidence that they are reliable and ready for everyday use. You get strong performance without paying for the very latest hardware upgrades.
Better Value and a Smarter Choice
Choosing refurbished tech allows you to access higher end models that may be out of reach when buying new. Instead of settling for a lower spec device, you can often afford a more capable refurbished one.
It is also a more sustainable choice. Reusing devices reduces electronic waste and lowers the demand for new manufacturing, which benefits the environment as well as your wallet.
Buying Refurbished in 2026
With device prices expected to continue rising, refurbished tech is becoming an increasingly sensible option. Whether you are upgrading a phone, replacing a laptop or buying tech for work or study, it allows you to stay up to date without overspending.
You can explore a wide range of refurbished phones, tablets and other devices here.
Browse refurbished tech on Envirofone
As technology moves forward and costs increase, refurbished devices offer a practical balance between performance, value and sustainability. It is a smart way to keep up with modern tech without paying tomorrow’s prices today.
