Your next budget phone may carry recycled memory as memory prices climb
TrendForce estimates reballed memory at 3-4% of the phone market in 2026 and 7-9% in 2027.
Memory in phones is getting more expensive. So some makers may put older, refurbished chips in cheap phones. That can save money, but quality may differ.
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Why it matters
Rising memory prices push some makers toward used chips in cheap phones, and quality may vary.
Worth a look if you wonder why memory costs more.
The details
- Reballed memory is taken from old devices, reprocessed and fitted with new solder balls.
- Most supply today is 4GB LPDDR4X modules for 4G phones under $200.
- TrendForce expects memory price rises to speed up in Q1 2027.
- Its effect on the whole memory market is small, but uneven quality could affect lifespan and warranty costs.
- The figures are forecasts from one research firm, and no manufacturers are named.
Receipts
One trusted outlet reports it. Not confirmed yet. Open the sources and check us.
Written with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources above. How we work
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