Vivo said it will raise the suggested retail prices of some smartphone models starting March 18, citing continued sharp increases in global semiconductor and memory costs. The price adjustments will affect multiple models under the Vivo and iQOO brands, with specific increases to be reflected through official sales channels, the company said in a statement. Earlier, rival Oppo raised prices on several models in its A series, K series and some devices from OnePlus from March 16, with increases ranging from 200 to 500 yuan ($29–$73).
Industry analysts say memory chip prices have surged by more than 300% over the past three months, pushing up smartphone manufacturing costs. The latest moves suggest a broader wave of price increases across the industry that could extend into the second half of the year. [Icsmart, in Chinese]