Why your subsequent sensible TV might value extra in 2026

For the previous couple of months, one of many largest tales in tech has been the skyrocketing worth of RAM (Random Entry Reminiscence), the tiny reminiscence chips which can be an important a part of any pc. At CES 2026, tons of firms are exhibiting off new laptops, sensible TVs, and devices that look spectacular, however the massive query is whether or not they’ll value much more just because RAM chips are in such brief provide, attributable to AI firms shopping for up giant swaths of RAM to extend server capability.

Many of the dialog round rising RAM costs has targeted on desktop PCs and laptops, however sensible TVs may very well 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 increased costs may very well be on the horizon, not only for sensible TVs, however most shopper electronics.

“There’s going to be points round semiconductor provides, and it’ll 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 need to convey that burden to the customers, however we’ll be at some extent the place we have now to truly take into account repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is among the largest TV manufacturers on the planet, and whereas it’s also one of many largest reminiscence producers, that does not imply it is proof against the value hikes most main tech firms are dealing with.

“As this case is unprecedented, no firm is proof against its influence,” stated 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 additionally tons of electronics, together with TVs and residential home equipment.

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

Shopping for final yr’s mannequin may very well be the easiest way to keep away from worth hikes

There is not a single definitive quantity or proportion level for a way a lot sensible TV costs might rise, and up to now, there have not been any main worth hikes. That stated, the state of affairs 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 accordance with Counterpoint Research, reminiscence costs are anticipated to rise by 40 to 50 % in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 % improve in Q2 2026.

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

Sensible TV pricing depends upon many elements, not simply RAM, with the show being a serious value driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing worth of reminiscence — despite the fact that it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — might 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 reasonably than later, because the TVs introduced this week begin launching within the spring and pricing is revealed.

If you happen to’re seeking to keep away from any potential worth 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 if you happen to’ve been ready to improve, now could be the time to do it, earlier than producers are pressured to lift costs because of the exponential value of RAM.