Samsung Galaxy Prices Could Rise Soon as Memory Costs Surge

Get ready – Samsung Galaxy smartphones might soon cost you more. If you’ve been eyeing that Galaxy S24 Ultra or waiting for the next foldable, now might be your last chance to grab one before prices climb.

Reports from industry insiders suggest Samsung is preparing to raise prices across its Galaxy lineup, joining other major brands already struggling with rising component costs – especially memory chips.

Why memory is at the heart of the price surge
Memory chips – particularly DRAM and NAND – have seen prices skyrocket in recent months. DRAM costs have reportedly doubled within just a month, and analysts warn the trend is far from over. Much of this inflation is tied to the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) computing, which consumes massive amounts of high-speed memory. AI servers, data centers, and even smartphones with on-device AI features are now competing for the same limited chip supply.

It’s not just Samsung feeling the squeeze. Xiaomi has already increased its smartphone prices due to the rising cost of components. Apple, too, raised the iPhone 17 Pro’s price earlier this year. With Apple leading the way, Samsung is unlikely to hold out for long. Even if the company keeps prices steady for the Galaxy S26 series, experts believe a significant jump is inevitable by 2027 – or possibly earlier if memory prices keep soaring.

The AI boom is reshaping smartphone economics
Smartphones are no longer simple devices – they are miniature AI machines. The latest Galaxy and iPhone models feature AI-powered photo editing, real-time translation, and predictive assistance. These functions demand faster RAM, advanced processors, and larger storage – all costly components. As one analyst put it, “The AI revolution isn’t free; someone has to pay for all that intelligence.”

Samsung’s shift to 2-nanometer processors for its Galaxy S26 lineup adds to the cost pressure. Building smaller, more efficient chips requires cutting-edge fabrication technology and heavy R&D investment. The same goes for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18. The miniaturization race – while improving performance and battery life – comes with soaring production costs that inevitably flow down to consumers.

Foldables and the era of premium pricing
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Flip lines have already normalized $1,500+ smartphones. With the anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, premium pricing is becoming the new standard, especially as foldable technology matures and rivals like Apple prepare their own foldable iPhone. Once prices rise to new levels, history shows they rarely come back down. Even if chip prices stabilize, manufacturers often retain the higher price tiers to maintain profit margins.

Looking ahead
Samsung now faces a delicate decision: absorb the added costs or risk consumer backlash with another price increase. After all, the Galaxy S24’s integration of Google AI features already caused a noticeable price bump. The next move could determine how customers perceive the brand’s value proposition. Yet, while flagship prices may climb, the silver lining is that mid-range and budget smartphones have never been better – offering flagship-like performance for a fraction of the price.

In short, the golden age of affordable flagship phones may be ending, replaced by an era where innovation comes at a premium. The question now isn’t whether prices will rise – but how soon, and how much.