Smartphone makers turn to reused memory chips as DRAM prices climb
The practice is expected to spread from budget handsets toward premium models if memory prices keep rising into 2027.
Smartphone makers are increasingly turning to recycled memory chips salvaged from old devices and re-soldered into new phones to cut costs as DRAM prices climb. According to TrendForce, reballed memory currently accounts for roughly 3–4% of smartphones, mostly entry-level and budget models, and that share is forecast to reach 7–9% in 2027. The chips in question are mainly reused 4GB LPDDR4X modules, found in 4G phones priced under CNY 1,299 (about $200). TrendForce also expects DRAM prices to keep rising into the first quarter of 2027, which could push the practice beyond budget handsets into premium models. Reballing is technically difficult given the tiny solder connections in BGA packages, but enthusiasts are attempting similar reuse of memory in PC hardware.
Why it matters
For budget phone buyers, the shift means more devices built with recycled memory, a share TrendForce expects to roughly double by 2027. Rising DRAM prices are the pressure behind it, and TrendForce expects those prices to keep rising into early 2027, which could extend the practice beyond entry-level models. Reballing is technically difficult because of the tiny solder connections, so it remains a niche method for now, but the trend shows how the memory shortage is reaching the consumer devices people buy.
Series Memory chip shortage outlook
- Smartphone makers turn to reused memory chips as DRAM prices climb
- Memory chip shortage expected to worsen into 2027, with relief timelines disputed
- Altman meets Samsung leaders as memory shortage is forecast to persist
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