Samsung DRAM price hike rejected by Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi

In the third quarter of 2026, Chinese smartphone makers Oppo and Vivo turned down Samsung's proposal to raise the price of DRAM modules, deeming the increase unsustainable for maintaining profit margins. Xiaomi also signaled a shift, adjusting its shipment forecasts and indicating resistance to the steep memory cost hikes.

The semiconductor market is experiencing unprecedented price surges, with DRAM contracts climbing 90‑95% and NAND Flash up about 60% in early 2026. The spike threatens the viability of low‑end smartphones, as cheaper memory chips risk disappearing from product line‑ups. Samsung's efforts to transfer higher component costs to manufacturers have sparked an open standoff, highlighting broader tension between major chip suppliers and phone brands.

Analysts note that if the pricing pressure continues, it could reshape supply‑chain dynamics and force manufacturers to reconsider product pricing or cut back on budget device offerings.