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Seoul, April 21, 2026: Global tech giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have increased laptop prices twice within just three months, driven by a severe global shortage of memory chips. The sharp price hikes have pushed the cost of some premium models up by nearly 50% compared to last year, according to reports.
Laptop Prices Surge Across Premium Models
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Book 6 Pro, equipped with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD, is now priced at 4.19 million won (USD 2,847) in South Korea—up significantly from 2.81 million won (USD 1,914) last year.
The company initially launched its new lineup in January at higher prices and later implemented another increase of up to 900,000 won (USD 613). Its high-end Galaxy Book 6 Ultra now starts at 5.53 million won (USD 3,767).
Meanwhile, LG Electronics has followed a similar pricing trend. Its 2026 Gram Pro 16-inch model, launched at 3.14 million won, has now risen to 3.54 million won (USD 2,411) after a second price hike.
Memory Chip Shortage Driving Price Hikes
Industry experts point to a sharp rise in memory chip costs as the primary reason behind these increases. According to market research, memory prices have surged by 80–90% quarter-on-quarter in early 2026.
For instance:
- 16GB DDR5 module prices rose from USD 72.20 (Q4 2025)
- To USD 119.20 (Q1 2026)
- Expected to hit USD 167.60 by Q4 2026
This dramatic increase in component costs is directly impacting consumer electronics pricing worldwide.
Impact Extends to Smartphones
The ripple effect of rising memory prices is also visible in the smartphone market. Samsung Electronics recently launched its Galaxy S26 series with price increases of around USD 100 per model in key markets.
Additionally, the company raised prices for its foldable lineup, including:
- Galaxy Z Fold7
- Galaxy Z Flip7
AI Demand Shifting Chip Supply
A major factor behind the shortage is the growing demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Leading chipmakers like:
- Samsung Electronics
- SK Hynix
- Micron Technology
—which together control about 90% of global DRAM production—are prioritizing AI-focused chips over general-purpose memory used in laptops and smartphones.
Consumer Demand Rising Ahead of Further Price Hikes
Despite rising prices, global demand for PCs is increasing. Reports indicate that global PC shipments grew by 3.2% year-on-year to 64.8 million units in Q1 2026, as consumers and businesses rushed to purchase devices before further price hikes.
However, experts warn that once prices cross certain thresholds, consumer spending may decline, impacting both private and public sector demand.
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