Overview
- Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station says some 2026 models may revive waterdrop notches and 90Hz displays to rein in costs.
- Android Headlines reports that manufacturers are weighing plastic or polycarbonate frames and short‑focus optical fingerprint readers to replace pricier components.
- Leaked guidance points to 8GB RAM becoming common again in mid-range phones, with some entry-level devices dropping to 4GB and occasional 8GB/512GB pairings.
- Repeater 002 has indicated a return of hybrid SIM trays with microSD support as a cheaper path to storage flexibility.
- The rumored shifts target roughly the $400–$450 tier, with outlets attributing the changes to AI data‑center demand pushing up DRAM and storage prices, and no OEM has confirmed the plans.