Why your subsequent sensible TV might value extra in 2026

For the previous couple of months, one of many largest tales in tech has been the skyrocketing worth of RAM (Random Entry Reminiscence), the tiny reminiscence chips which can be a vital a part of any laptop. At CES 2026, tons of corporations are displaying off new laptops, sensible TVs, and devices that look spectacular, however the massive query is whether or not they’ll value much more just because RAM chips are in such quick provide, attributable to AI corporations shopping for up giant swaths of RAM to extend server capability.

Many of the dialog round rising RAM costs has centered on desktop PCs and laptops, however sensible TVs could possibly be affected, too. They depend on RAM to run their working methods and apps easily, and Samsung — one of many world’s largest reminiscence chip producers — is warning that increased costs could possibly be on the horizon, not only for sensible TVs, however most shopper electronics.

“There’s going to be points round semiconductor provides, and it may have an effect on everybody,” stated Received-Jin Lee, Samsung’s president and head of world advertising and marketing, in an interview with Bloomberg. “Costs are going up whilst we communicate. Clearly, we do not wish to convey that burden to the shoppers, however we’ll be at a degree the place we have now to truly take into account repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is likely one of the largest TV manufacturers on this planet, and whereas additionally it is one of many largest reminiscence producers, that does not imply it is proof against the worth hikes most main tech corporations are dealing with.

“As this example is unprecedented, no firm is proof against its impression,” stated TM Roh, Samsung’s co-CEO, chatting with Reuters, who additionally added that the reminiscence chip scarcity is not going to solely have an effect on telephones, but in addition tons of electronics, together with TVs and residential home equipment.

How a lot might the worth of sensible TVs go up by?

Shopping for final 12 months’s mannequin could possibly be the easiest way to keep away from worth hikes

There is not a single definitive quantity or share level for the way a lot sensible TV costs might rise, and to date, there have not been any main worth hikes. That stated, the scenario might change shortly as reminiscence costs proceed to climb.

For context, by the tip of December, reminiscence costs had greater than doubled in comparison with their October ranges. In accordance with Counterpoint Research, reminiscence costs are anticipated to rise by 40 to 50 % in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 % improve in Q2 2026.

“The rising value of reminiscence is basically altering the Invoice of Supplies (BoM) for {hardware} producers,” Counterpoint Analysis defined.

Good TV pricing is determined by many elements, not simply RAM, with the show being a serious value driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing worth of reminiscence — although it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — might push the price of new sensible TVs increased this 12 months. And with loads of new fashions debuting at CES 2026, these increased costs could also be felt sooner slightly than later, because the TVs introduced this week begin launching within the spring and pricing is revealed.

In the event you’re seeking to keep away from any potential worth hikes tied to this RAM crunch, choosing up considered one of final 12 months’s sensible TV fashions now could also be price contemplating. Lots of final 12 months’s greatest TVs, together with the LG C5, Sony BRAVIA 8 II, and Samsung S90F, are still on sale at retailers — even with the vacations behind us. So when you’ve been ready to improve, now is perhaps the time to do it, earlier than producers are pressured to lift costs because of the exponential value of RAM.