End of the Ultra era? Xiaomi cancels, Samsung may be the last one standing

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

TL;DR

Rising RAM prices are reportedly forcing Android OEMs to reconsider their lineups, with several reportedly scrapping or limiting global releases of their next-generation “Ultra” flagships.

Leaks indicate Xiaomi has cancelled the Xiaomi 18 Ultra, while OPPO and vivo may withhold their next Ultra devices from global markets.

Samsung may be left as the only manufacturer selling an “Ultra” flagship globally, while other Android brands shift to “Pro Max” branding for their top-tier phones.

High RAM prices have pushed many phone makers to cut corners , and the resulting rise in component costs is also forcing brands to reconsider their lineups. The latest victims of the RAM crisis could be “Ultra” flagships, with leaks now suggesting that multiple Android OEMs are preparing to scrap their Ultra flagships, or at least severely scale back their global plans for them.

About a month ago, leaker Yogesh Brar mentioned on X that Xiaomi has cancelled the Xiaomi 18 Ultra. It’s not clear whether the Ultra lineup has been entirely killed off or if this is merely a decision to skip a generation in light of the RAM crisis.