| Mobile Web

AI-driven memory shortage lifts prices of even broken used smartphones

A worsening shortage of memory chips driven by artificial intelligence demand is pushing up prices in the used smartphone market, including for damaged or older devices. The repair and refurbishing industry is competing to secure low-grade phones and parts once treated as waste. B-Stock data show prices for Apple and Samsung devices rose in 2026\'s second quarter, while higher-grade units took a larger share of sales. Parts beyond memory chips are also gaining value.