A worsening global DRAM shortage could soon reshape what you can expect from new smartphones, and not in the way most buyers would prefer. Instead of pushing higher memory tiers year after year, phone makers may be forced to scale back RAM in upcoming models, potentially reviving older solutions like microSD card expansion to offset the pressure on internal memory components.
The biggest impact is likely to hit mainstream and budget devices first. Industry tracking suggests entry-level smartphones could drop to just 4GB of RAM, a noticeable step down at a time when apps, multitasking, and AI-powered features keep getting heavier. At the same time, the move toward 16GB RAM in flagship phones may slow significantly, making ultra-high memory configurations far less common than they briefly became in recent generations.
Mid-range phones may also take a hit. Models that traditionally offered 12GB of RAM—often as a standard or widely available configuration—could be pushed down to 8GB for base variants, and in some cases as low as 6GB. That means shoppers who previously enjoyed smooth multitasking and longer-term performance in affordable “sweet spot” devices may need to spend more to get the same experience they’re used to.
This matters because the midrange and entry-level segments aren’t small side markets—they drive massive global volume. For example, one recent best-selling Android model from Samsung’s popular Galaxy A series shipped with 8GB of RAM, showing that mainstream buyers have already come to expect more memory as standard. If brands begin cutting RAM across the board, consumers could feel the downgrade immediately, especially when it comes to keeping multiple apps open, switching quickly between tasks, and running memory-hungry games or camera features.
What’s causing the squeeze? Memory makers are reportedly prioritizing more profitable DRAM categories, and production focus is shifting toward newer technologies like DDR5. That’s a strong signal that supply constraints aren’t just a short-term hiccup. Previous estimates indicate the DRAM shortage could stretch well into 2027, meaning phone makers may have to plan around limited availability for years, not months.
There is one potential silver lining: if manufacturers collectively ship phones with less RAM, it could increase pressure for better software optimization. Android, in particular, may need to become more efficient with memory use, similar to the way iOS is often praised for delivering smooth performance with comparatively lower RAM. But there’s an obvious complication: on-device AI is moving fast, and more RAM generally makes AI features more capable and responsive. Some industry expectations even point toward extremely high memory levels eventually becoming “normal” to support advanced AI workloads.
To work around that conflict, companies are exploring alternative approaches that reduce dependence on RAM. One strategy is shifting parts of AI models—like Large Language Models—onto fast flash storage instead of keeping everything in memory. Apple is reportedly investigating ways to store LLM data on flash storage, while Samsung is rumored to be developing a specialized UFS storage solution tuned for generative AI tasks. If these approaches work well, future phones might still deliver useful AI features even if RAM growth stalls.
For consumers, the takeaway is simple: the DRAM shortage could lead to smartphones with lower RAM than expected across entry-level and mid-range tiers, while keeping 16GB-and-beyond flagships from becoming widely available. If phone makers choose to cut hardware specs, they’ll need to compensate with smarter software, better storage solutions, and more efficient AI processing—otherwise, buyers may notice slower performance and reduced multitasking, and sales could suffer as a result.
