The global smartphone market in 2026 faces a surprising shift: phones with 12 GB RAM may become rare. Instead, 4 GB RAM models are expected to make a comeback, especially in the mid-range and entry-level segments. This trend is driven by a sharp increase in DRAM prices, the critical memory component that smartphone makers rely on.
According to data from TrendForce, DRAM prices will soar due to supply-demand imbalances, prolonged supply chain challenges, and limited investment in memory manufacturing after the pandemic. As a result, the Bill of Materials (BoM) cost for producing smartphones could rise by 15–20%. Manufacturers must choose between hiking prices or lowering specifications.
Impact on Mid-Range and Entry-Level Phones
For premium smartphones like top-tier iPhones or Samsung flagships, companies will likely absorb price increases and maintain high RAM specs. However, Android brands targeting the price-sensitive middle and lower ranges—such as Xiaomi, Realme, and Infinix—are more likely to reduce RAM to keep prices competitive.
TrendForce predicts these changes in RAM allocations for 2026:
- Mid-range phones: from 12 GB down to 6–8 GB RAM.
- Entry-level phones: from 6 GB back down to 4 GB RAM.
- A revival of 4 GB RAM as a mainstream option.
This rollback might seem like a step backward for users accustomed to heavy multitasking or high-end gaming. But Android 15 and 16, anticipated to dominate next year, feature advanced memory management and "Memory Saver" modes which optimize RAM usage better than previous versions.
Modern chipsets such as the Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 or MediaTek Dimensity 7000 series also contribute to improved efficiency. These improvements mean a phone with 4 GB RAM in 2026 could deliver performance comparable to 6 GB RAM devices from 2023. Nonetheless, intensive tasks like video editing or high-end gaming will still challenge devices with limited RAM.
Broader Consequences: Laptop Market and Premium Brands
The memory price crunch extends beyond smartphones. Laptop makers, especially those producing ultrabooks with soldered RAM, face rising costs that could lead to price hikes or reduced memory configurations.
For budget laptops, configurations might default back to 8 GB or even 4 GB RAM options, with fewer upgrade possibilities. This could impact students and remote workers relying on affordable devices.
Even premium smartphone brands are not immune. Although Apple and Samsung flagships will maintain larger RAM sizes (8–12 GB), they may pass some cost increases to consumers by raising prices or trimming non-essential features like wireless charging or extra sensors.
What This Means for Consumers
Buyers planning to purchase a new smartphone in 2026 should consider these points:
- Don’t expect to find 12 GB RAM phones at affordable prices. If large RAM is a must, buy early before stocks deplete or prepare a higher budget.
- Focus on overall system efficiency, including the chipset and software optimizations, rather than just RAM numbers.
- Consider refurbished or second-hand models to obtain higher-RAM devices at more reasonable prices during the transitional period.
For years, consumers experienced a democratization of premium features such as 8 GB RAM in affordable phones and high refresh-rate displays. The coming years may pause this trend, driven by unavoidable global economic factors.
In essence, the return to 4 GB RAM reflects not a regression in technology, but a practical adjustment to market realities. Ultimately, consumers will benefit most by understanding device ecosystems instead of relying solely on RAM specifications. The year 2026 will highlight the value of "enough" over "excess."
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