Mobile DRAM pricing surge raises pressure on smartphone build plans

Mobile DRAM buyers are facing a severe second-quarter pricing reset. TrendForce estimates cited in the source put LPDDR4X average selling prices at roughly 70% to 75% above the prior quarter, while LPDDR5X is estimated to rise about 78% to 83% quarter over quarter. The report also indicates that Samsung and SK hynix are taking different approaches to negotiations. Samsung is described as pushing a more direct increase, while SK hynix quotations are presented as more gradual, with final terms expected later in May. For RamTrend, the signal is strongly price-positive for mobile memory but negative for downstream handset demand. If phone brands cut 2026 production or fall short of previously arranged bit-purchase commitments, suppliers may gain near-term pricing power while also increasing the risk of demand destruction later in the cycle.