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DigiTimes
Memory costs overtake smartphone chip costs as SoC shipments are set to fall 14%
In a notable shift, memory costs have overtaken the costs of smartphone system-on-chip (SoC), which is impacting the pricing structure of handsets and consumer demand. According to Counterpoint Research, this trend signifies a changing landscape in smartphone manufacturing. Meanwhile, there are concerns that a memory shortage may transform into a surplus by 2028 as semiconductor manufacturers increase their output capacity significantly to meet market demands.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 2 Aug 2026, 00:20 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Memory costs now surpass smartphone SoC costs
- Shift in handset pricing and demand observed
- Projected 14% decline in SoC shipments
- Potential memory surplus expected by 2028
- Chipmakers expanding production capacity
Interesting facts
- The memory chip market dynamics are influencing the overall pricing strategies of smartphones.
- The predicted surplus by 2028 could dramatically change pricing and availability across mobile devices.
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