Your Next Phone in India Might Have Less RAM and Cost More

Indian smartphone consumers, known for demanding the best value for money, may face a rude awakening in 2026 because of the Global Memory Crisis. Driven by a global surge in memory module costs, smartphone manufacturers are finding themselves in a tight corner. The result? A looming era of “spec regression,” where next year’s devices could launch with significantly less RAM than their predecessors, potentially at even higher prices.

We are already witnessing the first shockwaves of this trend. The recent launch of the iQOO 15 in India saw a staggering 33% price increase compared to its predecessor, a jump that has left many enthusiasts questioning the value proposition. However, in a price-sensitive economy like India, simply hiking the MRP isn’t always a viable strategy. To keep devices affordable for the mass market, brands may soon resort to cutting internal hardware instead.

The Return of 4GB RAM?

According to a concerning new report citing a tipster on Naver, the standard for memory in smartphones is set to slide backward in 2026.

The leak suggests that the “sweet spot” of 16GB RAM—which has become increasingly common in the upper-mid-range segment in India—could face near extinction next year, reserved only for the most expensive, manufacturer-specific flagship tiers.

Instead, manufacturers may aggressively downgrade memory configurations to offset rising component costs:

• 12GB RAM models could see a 40% reduction in availability, likely being replaced by 6GB or 8GB variants.

• 8GB RAM models, currently the standard for decent Android performance, could be cut by 50%, replaced by 4GB or 6GB versions.

• Most worryingly, 4GB RAM configurations—widely considered obsolete for modern, feature-rich Android experiences—could make a widespread comeback in the budget and lower-mid-range segments.

The harsh reality for Indian buyers is that despite these downgrades, the sticker price might remain the same or even rise, effectively offering less hardware for more money.

Samsung and PC Brands Join the Trend

The pressure isn’t limited to future launches. Reports indicate that Samsung is already planning to hike prices for its existing lineup of Galaxy phones in India, a move that highlights the severity of the component shortage.

The memory crunch is also spilling over into the computing sector, another critical market for Indian professionals and students. According to a report by TrendForce, major PC manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo have begun notifying partners of incoming price increases. Dell, in particular, is expected to raise PC prices by 15 to 20 percent.

For Indian consumers planning a tech upgrade—whether it’s a new smartphone or a laptop—buying sooner rather than later might be the wisest financial move before the full impact of 2026’s memory crisis takes hold.