Samsung hikes DDR5 prices 100%, reshaping device pricing in 2026

Samsung has reportedly doubled the contract price of DDR5 memory, raising it to nearly $20 per unit—an increase of over 100%. This sharp price hike is attributed to a severe supply crunch and signals that elevated DRAM prices may persist well into 2026. The surge is not limited to DDR5; DDR4 prices have also climbed significantly, removing DDR4 as a cost-saving alternative for manufacturers. Taiwanese media and industry analysts indicate that spot market prices are rising even faster than contract prices, driven by memory makers focusing on higher-margin products and strong data center demand. TrendForce forecasts further sharp price increases in early 2026, putting substantial cost pressure on global device manufacturers. The rising memory costs are expected to impact consumer electronics pricing and specifications. Smartphone makers may reintroduce lower memory tiers, with base models potentially returning to 4GB RAM to control costs, and some brands might bring back expandable storage options like microSD slots. Even premium brands like Apple could face increased memory costs as