Why did the Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus prices increase?

The prices of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus increased by $100 due to factors including the ongoing RAM crisis, tariffs, and rising material costs.

How long is the RAM crisis expected to last?

The RAM crisis is not expected to resolve until mid-next year at the earliest.

What impact could the RAM shortage have on smartphone shipments?

The memory supply issue is considered the worst the phone industry has faced and could lead to a 12.9% dip in smartphone shipments this year.

Home / Technology / Samsung Blames RAM Crisis for New Phone Price Jump

Samsung Blames RAM Crisis for New Phone Price Jump

2 Mar

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Summary

Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus prices increased by $100.
Samsung cites RAM crisis, tariffs, and rising costs.
RAM shortage expected to last until mid-next year.

Samsung Blames RAM Crisis for New Phone Price Jump

Samsung has implemented a $100 price increase for its newly released Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus smartphones. This price adjustment is attributed by Samsung to several factors, including the ongoing global RAM shortage, which has significantly impacted component availability and cost.

Company officials also cited other contributing elements such as tariffs and the escalating costs of raw materials. The base model of the Galaxy S26 now comes with 256GB of storage, an upgrade from the previous generation's 128GB, though this model is still $40 more expensive than a 256GB Galaxy S25.

The memory shortage is a significant challenge for the smartphone industry, with the earliest expected resolution timeline set for mid-next year. Industry analysts warn of a potential 12.9% dip in smartphone shipments this year, labeling the current memory supply issue as the worst the sector has encountered. This situation suggests a low likelihood of prices decreasing even after the crisis subsides.

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