Due to a shortage of memory chips, smartphone manufacturers are considering raising product prices.

This is because memory manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expanding their production lines for high-value-added products serving artificial intelligence (AI), such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM), causing a decrease in the supply of conventional DRAM.

According to forecasts, the price of power-efficient DRAM for mobile devices will increase by 43% in Q4 2025 compared to the previous quarter due to supply shortages. In response to rising DRAM prices, smartphone and PC manufacturers are beginning to consider raising product prices.

Memory chip shortages are affecting DRAM prices and forcing smartphone manufacturers to raise product prices - Image 1.

TrendForce continues to raise its DRAM price forecast.

Photo: screenshot

According to a report on the semiconductor industry, market research firm TrendForce has raised its DRAM price forecast across all application segments (compared to the previous quarter) once again, after a rare adjustment last month. This is attributed to increasingly severe supply shortages in the server, PC, and mobile sectors, forcing manufacturers to increase prices.

Among them, power-efficient DRAM for mobile devices (LPDDR) recorded the highest price increase. Previous price forecasts for LPDDR4 (used in mainstream phones) and LPDDR5 (used in high-end models) were 18-23% and 20-25% respectively, but have now been raised to 38-43%. TrendForce reports that some memory manufacturers have temporarily suspended price quotations due to overwhelming order volumes, especially as smartphone manufacturers prepare to launch new products early next year amidst insufficient supply.

Memory chip shortages are affecting DRAM prices and forcing smartphone manufacturers to raise product prices - Image 2.

The shortage of memory chips is becoming increasingly serious.

Photo: screenshot

Forecasts for PC DRAM prices have also been raised from 18-23% to 25-30%, while server DRAM prices, which are at the heart of the supply crisis, are projected to increase by 28-33%. The NAND flash market is also predicted to continue rising quarterly until the fourth quarter of next year.

Manufacturers of complete devices such as Apple and Samsung are placing long-term orders for DRAM and NAND flash, with some companies even placing orders until 2027. Under pressure from rising production costs, these companies are also considering the possibility of increasing prices for new products.

According to initial reports, Samsung has begun considering raising the price of the Galaxy S26 series, which is expected to launch in February next year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thieu-hut-nguon-cung-chip-nho-cac-hang-smartphone-xem-xet-tang-gia-san-pham-185251114032115817.htm