55%
Plausible
Older-generation LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X memory chips have been in production for about 8 to 10 years, but Samsung is reportedly pulling the plug on manufacturing, likely because it wants to focus more on maximizing profits by supplying LPDDR5 and LPDDR5X RAM chips.
This means that all customers who were in line to place orders for the previous-generation standard will have little choice but to make a transition, however costly that may be. It appears that the DRAM crisis isn’t just making components expensive, but it’s also removing options for clients.
Companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek will need to revise their long-term plans, whereas newer smartphone batches of the same model will become faster but more expensive, thanks to the newer LPDDR5 RAM
While the report from The Elec doesn’t specify that Samsung is being forced to shut down all LPDDR4 production, the only logical explanation is that it stands to benefit from increasing its LPDDR5 and LPDDR5X RAM output. Customers who have yet to receive their older orders will be entertained by Samsung, but any future shipments will be declined unless they move to the newer standard.
This means that both smartphone and chipset manufacturers, such as Qualcomm, MediaTek, and others, will have to brainstorm going forward. Even Samsung’s Mobile Experience division will have little choice but to begin procuring LPDDR5 shipments, with the Korean giant likely shifting its less powerful Exynos chipsets using the older LPDDR4 standard to the newer one.
Devices like the Galaxy A17, which are equipped with LPDDR4X memory, will now feature LPDDR5 RAM, bringing faster memory bandwidth but most likely at a higher price. With Samsung’s decision, not only is the company drastically affecting what its clientele can purchase, but consumers are also going to feel like they’ve been punched in the gut.
For instance, current Galaxy A17 owners will be disgruntled that they are running a slower device, while those interested in purchasing the same model will have access to faster memory, but will have to fork over a higher sum for roughly the same features. This is certainly a ‘less than ideal’ situation to be in, and it’s all caused by the AI boom that has gobbled up the remaining memory supply, leaving everyone to hunt for breadcrumbs.
News Source: The Elec
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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