5 Gadgets That Could Become More Expensive in 2027

# 5 Gadgets That Could Become More Expensive in 2027

Buying new technology could become more expensive in 2027 as manufacturers face rising component costs and growing demand for memory chips.

Smartphones, tablets, computers and gaming devices have already experienced price increases in recent months. One of the main factors behind this trend is the growing demand for memory components from companies developing artificial intelligence systems and expanding data centre infrastructure.

As manufacturers compete for limited supplies, the cost of producing consumer electronics can increase. These expenses may eventually be passed on to customers through higher retail prices.

According to reports cited by technology publications, the pressure on memory prices could continue into 2027. Here are five types of gadgets that could become more expensive.

1. Smartphones

Smartphones are among the electronic devices most exposed to rising component costs.

Modern phones depend on several types of memory to run applications, store information and perform demanding tasks. As artificial intelligence features become more common, manufacturers are also equipping devices with more powerful processors and larger memory capacities.

This creates additional pressure on component suppliers, particularly when demand from data centres competes with the needs of consumer electronics manufacturers.

Samsung and other smartphone brands may face difficult decisions if production costs continue to increase. Companies could raise prices, reduce certain specifications or adjust their product lineups to protect profit margins.

For consumers, this could mean paying more for premium smartphones in 2027, although the impact will vary by brand, model and market.

Buyers who do not need the latest features may find better value in older models or mid-range devices.

2. Power Banks

Power banks could also face higher prices as the cost of electronic components increases.

These portable chargers contain batteries, control circuits and other electronic components that determine charging speed, capacity and safety.

Although battery cells are different from the memory chips used in smartphones and computers, power banks still depend on a broader electronics supply chain. Higher manufacturing, transportation or component costs could affect their final prices.

Models offering larger capacities, faster charging and support for multiple devices may be particularly sensitive to changes in production costs.

Consumers planning to buy a power bank should compare battery capacity, charging standards, safety certifications and warranty coverage rather than choosing solely by price.

However, there is no guarantee that all power banks will become more expensive. The final impact will depend on manufacturers, suppliers and market competition.

3. Streaming Devices

Streaming sticks and compact media players could become more expensive if manufacturers face higher costs for memory and other electronic components.

These devices allow users to access streaming platforms and online entertainment services through a television, often without replacing the entire TV.

Their relatively affordable prices are an important selling point. If production costs rise, manufacturers may have to decide whether to increase prices, accept lower margins or reduce costs elsewhere.

The impact could be noticeable in entry-level models, where even a small increase may influence purchasing decisions.

Consumers looking for a streaming device should compare supported video resolutions, application availability, software updates and connectivity features before buying.

Existing devices may also remain useful for several years, provided they continue receiving essential software and security updates.

4. Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles could face additional pressure from rising component prices in 2027.

Modern consoles use advanced processors, graphics hardware and memory systems to deliver increasingly detailed games and faster performance. These components can represent a significant portion of manufacturing costs.

Higher memory prices may make it more expensive to produce new consoles or maintain the current generation at existing price levels.

Manufacturers could respond through price adjustments, promotional offers, revised hardware configurations or changes to production plans.

The impact on consumers will depend on the console brand, available supply and the strength of demand in each market.

For gamers, this may be a reason to compare current console prices carefully before purchasing. However, a potential increase does not mean every console will become more expensive, and manufacturers may choose to absorb some of the additional costs.

5. Routers

Routers are another category worth watching as electronics manufacturing costs evolve.

Modern routers contain processors, memory and wireless networking components that help manage multiple connected devices and maintain stable connections.

As households adopt faster broadband connections, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 equipment, manufacturers are introducing increasingly sophisticated networking products.

Higher component costs could put pressure on the prices of advanced routers, particularly models designed for high-speed connections, gaming and larger homes.

However, the router market includes products at many different price points. Basic models may remain affordable, while premium devices could experience different pricing pressures.

Before upgrading, consumers should consider whether their current router actually limits their internet connection. A more expensive model will not automatically improve performance if the broadband service itself is the main limitation.

Why Could Technology Become More Expensive in 2027?

The main concern is the growing competition for memory chips.

Artificial intelligence systems require substantial computing resources, and data centres use large quantities of advanced memory. As investment in AI infrastructure expands, suppliers must balance demand from these businesses with orders from smartphone, computer and electronics manufacturers.

Industry reports have highlighted significant increases in the cost of certain memory components. These changes can affect the economics of producing electronic devices, particularly products with tight profit margins.

However, component prices are only one factor in retail pricing. Currency movements, transportation costs, tariffs, competition and manufacturers' commercial strategies can also influence what consumers ultimately pay.

It is therefore too early to predict exactly how much each product category will cost in 2027.

How Can Consumers Prepare?

People planning to purchase electronics in the coming months can take a few practical steps.

**Compare prices before buying.** Check several retailers and look for genuine discounts rather than relying exclusively on advertised savings.

**Consider previous-generation products.** Older smartphones, routers and gaming devices may still offer the features most users need.

**Avoid unnecessary upgrades.** If a device continues to work reliably and receives security updates, replacing it immediately may not be worthwhile.

**Prioritise essential features.** Compare the specifications that matter most instead of paying extra for features you are unlikely to use.

**Check warranty and support.** A cheaper product may not represent good value if it has poor reliability or limited software support.

The Bottom Line

Rising memory costs and growing demand for AI infrastructure could put additional pressure on consumer electronics prices in 2027.

Smartphones, power banks, streaming devices, gaming consoles and routers are five categories worth monitoring as manufacturers respond to changing supply costs.

Nevertheless, price increases are not guaranteed across every brand or product. The final impact will depend on supply conditions, competition and the decisions manufacturers make over the coming months.

For consumers, comparing prices and avoiding unnecessary upgrades may be the best ways to manage technology spending if electronics become more expensive next year.

Source: SAPO and related industry reporting. Independently adapted for NexaPulse.