Why your subsequent sensible TV might value extra in 2026

For the previous couple of months, one of many greatest tales in tech has been the skyrocketing value of RAM (Random Entry Reminiscence), the tiny reminiscence chips which can be a necessary a part of any pc. At CES 2026, tons of corporations are exhibiting off new laptops, sensible TVs, and devices that look spectacular, however the large 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 might 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 might be on the horizon, not only for sensible TVs, however most client electronics.

“There’s going to be points round semiconductor provides, and it should have an effect on everybody,” mentioned Received-Jin Lee, Samsung’s president and head of worldwide advertising, 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 have now to really think about repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is likely one of the greatest TV manufacturers on this planet, and whereas it is usually 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 influence,” 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 might the worth of sensible TVs go up by?

Shopping for final 12 months’s mannequin might 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 might rise, and to this point, there have not been any main value hikes. That mentioned, the scenario might change rapidly 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 p.c in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 p.c improve in Q2 2026.

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

Good TV pricing will depend on many elements, not simply RAM, with the show being a serious value driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing value of reminiscence — though it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — might 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 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 value hikes tied to this RAM crunch, selecting up one among final 12 months’s sensible TV fashions now could also be price 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 could be the time to do it, earlier than producers are compelled to lift costs because of the exponential value of RAM.