May 15 - According to the latest memory market report from TrendForce, Mobile DRAM contract prices are continuing to rise sharply in the second quarter of 2026, putting significant cost pressure on smartphone brands.
The two major Korean memory manufacturers have adopted noticeably different pricing strategies. Samsung is reportedly taking a more aggressive approach, aiming for a substantial one-time price hike. In contrast, SK hynix has offered more moderate temporary quotes and is expected to implement gradual increases, with final pricing likely to be settled by late May.
TrendForce forecasts that the average selling price (ASP) of LPDDR4X will rise by at least 70% to 75% quarter-over-quarter in Q2. LPDDR5X is expected to see an even steeper increase, with ASP projected to climb between 78% and 83% from the previous quarter.
This round of sharp price hikes is likely to further squeeze the profit margins of smartphone manufacturers already facing a challenging market environment.
