Samsung Pushes DRAM Memory Chip Prices Up 30% Amid Supply Pressure

Samsung’s memory business is heating up again, and there are no signs it will slow down anytime soon. Samsung has reportedly raised DRAM prices by about 30% in the second quarter (Q2 2026), after already doubling them in the first. That’s a huge jump in a short span. The increase covers everything from high-end High Bandwidth Memory used in AI servers to standard DRAM found in PCs and smartphones.

Samsung’s DRAM prices are going up, and AI is to blame

As for what’s driving the continued rise in memory chip prices, the answer is AI. AI infrastructure is expanding quickly, and it needs a lot of memory. Companies are prioritizing production of advanced memory like HBM, which is tightening supply for standard DRAM. That imbalance is pushing prices up across the board. Competitors like SK Hynix and Micron are expected to follow with similar increases.

In fact, one of them, Micron, has even stopped making some consumer memory products and stepped back from parts of the consumer business to manage supply for AI customers. These AI data centers need huge amounts of memory, and demand is only set to grow. It’s not exactly good news for everyone.

For most of us, this isn’t great news

Higher DRAM prices usually translate into more expensive gadgets. That means smartphones, laptops, and even gaming PCs could see price increases or fewer discounts in the coming months. You might not notice it straight away, but manufacturers will likely pass on at least part of the cost.

The Galaxy S26 series skipped the free storage upgrade in the US, and some models also got more expensive this year. In other markets, where Samsung had been offering free storage upgrades, for example India, prices jumped by over ₹10,000. Likewise, Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices, and reports suggest Apple is stockpiling DRAM to limit the impact of further increases.

If you’re planning to upgrade your device, waiting may not help much since prices are still trending upward. Simply put, the AI boom is great for tech innovation, but it’s also quietly making everyday electronics more expensive.