Why your subsequent sensible TV may value extra in 2026

For the previous couple of months, one of many greatest tales in tech has been the skyrocketing worth of RAM (Random Entry Reminiscence), the tiny reminiscence chips which are 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 huge query is whether or not they’ll value much more just because RAM chips are in such quick provide, brought on by 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 larger 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 is going to have an effect on everybody,” mentioned Gained-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 will be at some extent the place we now have to really think about repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is among the greatest TV manufacturers on the planet, and whereas additionally it is one of many greatest 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,” mentioned TM Roh, Samsung’s co-CEO, talking to 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 may 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 proportion level for the way a lot sensible TV costs may rise, and to this point, there have not been any main worth hikes. That mentioned, the scenario may change rapidly as reminiscence costs proceed to climb.

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

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

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

In the event you’re trying to keep away from any potential worth hikes tied to this RAM crunch, selecting up certainly one of final 12 months’s sensible TV fashions now could also be value contemplating. A lot 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 for those who’ve been ready to improve, now is perhaps the time to do it, earlier than producers are pressured to boost costs as a result of exponential value of RAM.