As we all know, major tech companies around the world are racing to build massive AI data centers to power their services and generate revenue through subscriptions and other business models. While the AI boom has created exciting opportunities and technological advancements, it has also brought some unexpected challenges, particularly for ordinary consumers. One area where these effects are becoming increasingly noticeable is the consumer electronics market, especially PCs, laptops, and smartphones in Dhaka. Based on what I’ve observed, I’d like to share my thoughts on the current situation and offer some practical advice for consumers.
PC and Laptop Market: Rising Prices and Limited Choices — PC and laptop prices are already unreasonably high, and the situation appears to be getting worse. Some computer shops are becoming reluctant to sell individual components, particularly RAM and graphics cards, unless customers purchase an entire PC. The laptop market is facing similar challenges. Most new laptops now come with at least 16GB of RAM, which is sufficient for many users, but it may not be enough for those who regularly multitask, run demanding applications, or keep dozens of browser tabs open. Meanwhile, RAM and SSD prices continue to rise, making new builds and upgrades increasingly expensive. Although manufacturers in China are expanding memory and storage production, increased output does not guarantee immediate price reductions. Supply chains, domestic demand, and the time required for additional production to reach the consumer market all play a role. My advice is to avoid buying a new PC or laptop unless you genuinely need one. If your current system still performs well enough, keep using it. If you need better performance, consider upgrading specific components rather than replacing the entire machine.
Mobile Phone Market: Are We Getting Better Value for Our Money? — The smartphone market is experiencing similar pressures, particularly in the mid-range segment, where prices have risen noticeably. However, marketing can make these increases less obvious. Manufacturers often highlight improved cameras, larger batteries, AI-powered features, and other attractive specifications to justify higher prices. While these improvements can be useful, they don't necessarily mean a phone offers better value than its predecessor. A slightly better camera or a modest battery upgrade may not justify a significant price increase, especially when the overall user experience remains largely unchanged. With the growing emphasis on AI features, it's worth asking whether these additions genuinely improve everyday usability or simply make newer devices seem more appealing.
My Advice: Don't Upgrade Just Because You Can. — The same principle applies to smartphones, PCs, and laptops: if your current device still meets your needs, there's little reason to replace it simply because a newer model is available. If your phone runs smoothly, its battery lasts long enough, and it handles your daily tasks without major issues, there's no need to rush into an upgrade. Replace it when it can no longer serve your needs properly or when repairing it is no longer practical. Likewise, keeping your existing computer and making targeted upgrades when necessary can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. For consumers in Dhaka, where electronics already account for a significant portion of many people's budgets, being selective about purchases is more important than ever.
Final Thoughts — The AI boom may be driving innovation and opening up new possibilities, but its costs don't always fall on the companies leading the race. Ordinary consumers may end up paying more for the essential hardware they rely on every day. Although AI is not the only factor influencing electronics prices, growing demand for memory and other components could add further pressure to an already challenging market. My suggestion is simple: buy what you need, not what marketing encourages you to want. Take care of your existing devices, upgrade only when necessary, and avoid spending more than you need to. In today's market, sometimes the smartest upgrade is no upgrade at all.