Why your subsequent sensible TV may price extra in 2026

For the previous couple of months, one of many largest tales in tech has been the skyrocketing value of RAM (Random Entry Reminiscence), the tiny reminiscence chips which are a necessary a part of any laptop. At CES 2026, tons of corporations are exhibiting off new laptops, sensible TVs, and devices that look spectacular, however the huge query is whether or not they’ll price much more just because RAM chips are in such brief 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 techniques 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, in an interview with Bloomberg. “Costs are going up at the same time as we communicate. Clearly, we do not wish to convey that burden to the shoppers, however we will be at some extent the place now we have to really think about repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is among the largest TV manufacturers on the earth, and whereas additionally it is one of many largest reminiscence producers, that does not imply it is resistant to the value hikes most main tech corporations are going through.

“As this case is unprecedented, no firm is resistant to its influence,” stated TM Roh, Samsung’s co-CEO, chatting with Reuters, who additionally added that the reminiscence chip scarcity won’t solely have an effect on telephones, but additionally tons of electronics, together with TVs and residential home equipment.

How a lot may the value of sensible TVs go up by?

Shopping for final yr’s mannequin could possibly be the easiest way to keep away from value hikes

There is not a single definitive quantity or share level for a way a lot sensible TV costs may rise, and up to now, there have not been any main value hikes. That stated, the scenario may 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 response to Counterpoint Research, reminiscence costs are anticipated to rise by 40 to 50 % in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 % enhance in Q2 2026.

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

Good TV pricing depends upon many components, not simply RAM, with the show being a serious price driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing value of reminiscence — regardless that it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — may push the price of new sensible TVs increased this yr. And with loads of new fashions debuting at CES 2026, these increased costs could also be felt sooner somewhat than later, because the TVs introduced this week begin launching within the spring and pricing is revealed.

For those who’re trying to keep away from any potential value hikes tied to this RAM crunch, selecting up certainly one of final yr’s sensible TV fashions now could also be value contemplating. Lots of final yr’s finest 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 should you’ve been ready to improve, now is perhaps the time to do it, earlier than producers are compelled to lift costs because of the exponential price of RAM.