Why your subsequent good TV might 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 laptop. At CES 2026, tons of corporations are displaying off new laptops, good 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, brought on by AI corporations shopping for up massive swaths of RAM to extend server capability.

A lot of the dialog round rising RAM costs has centered on desktop PCs and laptops, however good TVs could possibly be affected, too. They depend on RAM to run their working techniques and apps easily, and Samsung — one of many world’s largest reminiscence chip producers — is warning that larger costs could possibly be on the horizon, not only for good TVs, however most client electronics.

“There’s going to be points round semiconductor provides, and it will have an effect on everybody,” stated Gained-Jin Lee, Samsung’s president and head of world advertising and marketing, in an interview with Bloomberg. “Costs are going up whilst we converse. Clearly, we do not wish to convey that burden to the shoppers, however we’ll be at some extent the place we have now to truly think about repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is without doubt one of the largest TV manufacturers on this planet, and whereas it is usually one of many largest reminiscence producers, that does not imply it is proof against the worth hikes most main tech corporations are dealing with.

“As this case is unprecedented, no firm is proof against its affect,” stated TM Roh, Samsung’s co-CEO, chatting with 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 worth of good TVs go up by?

Shopping for final yr’s mannequin could possibly be one of the best ways to keep away from value hikes

There is not a single definitive quantity or share level for a way a lot good TV costs might rise, and to date, there have not been any main value hikes. That stated, the scenario might 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 % in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 % enhance in Q2 2026.

“The rising price 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 significant price driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing value of reminiscence — despite the fact that it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — might push the price of new good TVs larger this yr. And with loads of new fashions debuting at CES 2026, these larger costs could also be felt sooner relatively than later, because the TVs introduced this week begin launching within the spring and pricing is revealed.

Should you’re seeking to keep away from any potential value hikes tied to this RAM crunch, selecting up certainly one of final yr’s good TV fashions now could also be price 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 should you’ve been ready to improve, now could be the time to do it, earlier than producers are compelled to boost costs because of the exponential price of RAM.