Huawei to Raise Phone Prices as Memory Costs Bite
Huawei chairman Richard Yu says the company will raise phone prices moderately after absorbing about $200 in added costs, as it launches the Mate 90 series.
Huawei expects to raise phone prices moderately, consumer business chairman Richard Yu said, as rising memory and component costs pressure margins. Yu said the company has been absorbing about $200 in added costs per device, hurting profitability.
The comments came alongside the launch of Huawei's flagship Mate 90 series, which includes a special edition model priced as high as CNY 18,999 (~$2,835). The lineup also features a detachable camera with its own sensor and lens stack supporting up to 10x optical zoom.
Yu said rising memory and storage costs will especially strain the sub-$200 phone segment, pushing consumers toward mid-range and high-end products.
Huawei is also looking to expand sales in the Middle East and Europe, and is trying to cut into manufacturing chips for AI.
Industry-wide price pressure
Several phone brands, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, have raised prices on their newest models. In October 2025, a Counterpoint Research report predicted increasing component costs would wipe out 230 million units of sub-$200 phones by 2030, with volumes expected to fall roughly 40%.
Quick answers
Why is Huawei raising phone prices?
Chairman Richard Yu cited rising memory and component costs. He said Huawei has been absorbing about $200 in added costs, which has hurt profitability.
How much does the Mate 90 special edition cost?
The special edition model is priced as high as CNY 18,999 (~$2,835).
What camera feature does the Mate 90 series offer?
It includes a detachable camera with its own sensor and lens stack supporting up to 10x optical zoom.