Memory shortage drives recycled memory reballing
The gist
TrendForce says reballed memory will rise from 3-4% of budget phones in 2026 to 7-9% in 2027.
The practice keeps cheap 4G handsets affordable as DRAM supply tightens.
How it unfolded
- Nov 6, 2026TrendForce publishes its assessment that reballed memory will rise from 3-4% of cheap 4G smartphones in 2026 to 7-9% in 2027.
- Nov 9, 2026Reports say smartphone makers are turning to reballed memory as a global DRAM shortage shows no sign of easing, per TrendForce.
- 2027 Q1 (forecast)TrendForce expects DRAM prices to rise further, possibly pushing recycled memory beyond the entry-level segment into more premium devices.
Key terms
- DRAM
- A type of semiconductor memory that stores data in capacitors and is widely used as main memory in computers.
- LPDDR4X
- A low-power version of synchronous dynamic random-access memory, designed to use less power for phones, tablets and laptops.
- 4G
- The fourth generation of cellular network technology, offering all-IP broadband services and higher data speeds than 3G.
Source: Wikipedia