This year, consumers are facing economic pressure like we haven’t seen in a long time. With the AI boom, shortages and demand are affecting component fees and, therefore, smartphone prices. This underscores the need for OEMs to develop and seek out more affordable components than ever.Of course, there are two sides to this coin. This year, it seems like we’re getting two flagship Snapdragons, one “extremely expensive” product with a Pro moniker reserved for Ultra devices, and a standard yet still plenty pacey option. Undoubtedly, it’s a development that gets enthusiasts talking, but may also benefit consumers. In theory, we can now have the benefits of chip makers chasing even more processing grunt with higher-tier chips, while providing loads of performance at a lower price for those who want and need far less.