“Stock Shortage Shock”: Samsung Hikes DDR5 Prices, Global Smartphone and Laptop Industry on Edge

Consumers may face higher prices for smartphones and laptops in 2026, as the global shortage of memory chips continues to hit the electronics industry. Samsung has recently raised DDR5 RAM contract prices by over 100%, sending ripples across smartphone, laptop, and smart TV manufacturers worldwide.

Memory Chip Shortage Drives Price Hikes
The global smartphone and computer industries are feeling the strain as memory chip demand surges. Companies manufacturing phones and laptops are now forced to pay higher prices for memory components, indicating that devices will become more expensive next year. According to Taiwanese media reports, Samsung’s DDR5 memory contract price has surged to $19.20 per unit, and the company has informed OEMs that “stocks are finished,” signaling limited availability. DDR4 DRAM prices have also risen, with 16GB DDR4 modules now priced at $18 per unit.

No Affordable Alternatives Left
OEMs had previously relied on DDR4 chips as a cost-effective option, but DDR5 shortages and rising DDR4 prices are leaving them with few alternatives. Reports from Notebookcheck indicate that memory prices jumped in December 2025, with no relief expected in the near future.

Impact on Consumers
The rising costs of DDR5 will inevitably pass on to consumers, leading to more expensive smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets in 2026. Major players like Apple and Samsung are likely to increase device prices in response to higher memory costs.

Chinese Brands Feeling the Pressure
Chinese smartphone companies are particularly concerned. One leading manufacturer told NBT Tech that they are forced to raise prices to maintain device features amid growing AI usage and increasing consumer expectations. Companies worry that prices above ₹40,000–45,000 may push users toward Samsung or Apple, but not increasing prices could hurt profitability.

Root Cause: Rising AI Demand
The underlying reason for the memory crunch is the growing demand for AI technologies, which require faster and more abundant DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) for data storage and processing. DDR5 chips, the latest generation, are significantly faster than DDR4, but demand has far outpaced supply. Experts predict this shortage could persist throughout 2026, keeping device prices elevated.