Pixel 11 and cheaper RAM: Google may try to hold the line on price

Google appears to be looking for a way to avoid raising Pixel 11 prices as sharply as some rivals may do. Amid rumors of higher prices for the Galaxy S27 and iPhone 18 Pro, the company could cut costs by using cheaper RAM. The Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro have already reportedly added $100 to their starting prices, while sources say the iPhone 18 could climb as high as $1,399.

The main pressure on prices comes from more expensive components, especially memory. According to fresh rumors, Google is considering RAM supplies from China’s CXMT, which offers chips cheaper than Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. Interest in this option is reportedly linked personally to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, although it is still unclear what volumes the company could order and which devices the memory would be used in.

Google is not the only company taking a closer look at CXMT. Sources say Dell, HP, ASUS and Acer have also held talks with the Chinese manufacturer or qualified its memory. At the same time, CXMT still carries political risk: US authorities have already considered restrictions against Chinese memory makers, though no full ban has been introduced yet. CXMT, meanwhile, is increasing production of mass-market DRAM chips as larger players shift more aggressively toward higher-margin memory for AI infrastructure.

Earlier reports also claimed that Google could keep the Pixel 11 Pro at its familiar $999 price, but reduce RAM from 16GB to 12GB to do it. For current tasks, 12GB is still enough, but over time it could limit future AI features and affect long-term device support. A softer scenario for buyers would be Google keeping 16GB of RAM while sourcing cheaper memory from CXMT.

For now, none of these options has been confirmed. Google could keep Pixel 11 prices steady, raise them after Samsung and Apple, or combine a price increase with cheaper components to protect margins. But the broader trend is already clear: as memory and other components get more expensive, flagship smartphones are likely to become pricier in the coming years.