Why your subsequent good TV may value extra in 2026

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

A lot of the dialog round rising RAM costs has targeted on desktop PCs and laptops, however good 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 good TVs, however most client electronics.

“There’s going to be points round semiconductor provides, and it’ll 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 at the same time as we communicate. Clearly, we do not wish to convey that burden to the shoppers, however we will be at some extent the place we now have to truly take into account repricing our merchandise.”

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

“As this example is unprecedented, no firm is resistant to its impression,” 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 may the worth of good TVs go up by?

Shopping for final 12 months’s mannequin may very well be the easiest way to keep away from value hikes

There is not a single definitive quantity or share level for the way a lot good TV costs may rise, and thus far, there have not been any main value hikes. That stated, the scenario may change shortly 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. Based on Counterpoint Research, reminiscence costs are anticipated to rise by 40 to 50 p.c in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 p.c 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 relies on many components, not simply RAM, with the show being a significant value driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing value of reminiscence — despite the fact that it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — may push the price of new good TVs increased this 12 months. And with loads of new fashions debuting at CES 2026, these increased costs could also be felt sooner slightly than later, because the TVs introduced this week begin launching within the spring and pricing is revealed.

If you happen to’re trying to keep away from any potential value hikes tied to this RAM crunch, selecting up one among final 12 months’s good TV fashions now could also be value contemplating. A lot of final 12 months’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 for those who’ve been ready to improve, now is perhaps the time to do it, earlier than producers are pressured to lift costs as a result of exponential value of RAM.