Rising contract prices for mobile DRAM are forcing smartphone manufacturers to increasingly rely on refurbished components. According to TrendForce, such modules will account for 3–4% of the smartphone market in 2026, with that figure projected to rise to 7–9% by 2027.
Currently, most repurposed memory consists of 4GB LPDDR4X modules, primarily found in budget 4G smartphones priced under ¥1300. Manufacturers utilize these components to offset rising production costs while maintaining stable retail prices for price-sensitive consumers.
TrendForce anticipates an acceleration in DRAM price growth during the first quarter of 2027. This pressure may lead to the adoption of refurbished memory and other lower-performance components in higher-end device segments, though their overall impact on global DRAM contract prices remains limited.
Analysts warn that using refurbished memory introduces significant risks, including unpredictable quality and reduced device reliability. These factors could potentially lead to increased warranty costs, damaged brand reputations, and a decline in consumer trust over time.
