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 might 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 price much more just because RAM chips are in such quick provide, attributable to AI corporations shopping for up massive 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 may very well be affected, too. They depend on RAM to run their working programs and apps easily, and Samsung — one of many world’s largest reminiscence chip producers — is warning that increased costs may very well be on the horizon, not only for sensible TVs, however most client electronics.

“There’s going to be points round semiconductor provides, and it will have an effect on everybody,” stated Received-Jin Lee, Samsung’s president and head of worldwide advertising and marketing, 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 customers, however we will be at a degree the place we’ve to truly think about repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is among the largest TV manufacturers on this planet, and whereas it’s also one of many largest reminiscence producers, that does not imply it is resistant to the worth hikes most main tech corporations are dealing with.

“As this case is unprecedented, no firm is resistant to its impression,” stated TM Roh, Samsung’s co-CEO, talking to 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 worth of sensible TVs go up by?

Shopping for final 12 months’s mannequin may very well be one of the simplest ways to keep away from value hikes

There is not a single definitive quantity or proportion 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 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. In keeping with Counterpoint Research, reminiscence costs are anticipated to rise by 40 to 50 p.c in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 p.c enhance in Q2 2026.

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

Good TV pricing relies on many components, not simply RAM, with the show being a serious price driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing value of reminiscence — though it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — may 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 quite than later, because the TVs introduced this week begin launching within the spring and pricing is revealed.

When you’re trying 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. Lots of final 12 months’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 boost costs as a result of exponential price of RAM.