In the United States, the increases introduced last month range from $40 to $180, mainly affecting higher-storage, higher-RAM models rather than base versions.
The report says soaring NAND and DRAM prices, semiconductor shortages and AI-driven demand are squeezing margins, forcing Samsung to protect profitability instead of absorbing costs.
It suggests the moves could set a pricing floor for future Galaxy foldables and the S27 line, while Apple is also expected to raise iPhone prices as stable mobile pricing erodes.
Are rising phone prices a true supply crisis or a chance for tech giants to boost profits?
As AI consumes the world's chips, will your next smartphone become an unaffordable luxury?
Samsung’s 2026 Mid-Cycle Price Hikes: ₹1,000 Increases Amid Global Memory Shortages and Geopolitical Crises
Overview
In 2026, Samsung faced unprecedented supply chain pressures driven by the AI boom, which shifted memory production toward high-margin AI chips, causing severe shortages and soaring prices for commodity memory used in consumer devices. This was worsened by geopolitical disruptions, including missile strikes and a blockade that cut off a large portion of the global helium supply essential for chip manufacturing. In response, Samsung raised prices mid-cycle on budget and mid-range smartphones in India and globally on premium devices, while offering temporary discounts on its latest flagship series. The company also deployed helium recycling technology and diversified assembly locations to mitigate risks. These challenges are expected to persist through 2027, reshaping consumer behavior and industry pricing strategies.