The RAM crisis came for computers first and now it's coming for TVs — here's why I recommend upgrading while you still can

A man thoughtfully looks at LCD TVs in a large store with his back to the camera — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In case you haven't heard, the entire tech industry is currently entering somewhat of a crisis. Across the globe, demand for DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is skyrocketing. As a result, we're watching as the price of certain consumer goods increase — and fast.

Essentially, anything that relies on RAM — PCs, laptops, phones and gaming consoles — is at risk of seeing a spike. Unfortunately, this most likely includes the next wave of TVs from big-name brands, including many of the best TVs of the year.

Will a global increase in RAM prices result in pricier TVs?

A Samsung TV box on the floor of a Walmart. It is strapped shut and ready to be moved. — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

We're still weeks (and in some cases months) away from brands like LG, Samsung, Hisense and TCL announcing the prices of their 2026 TVs. Once these announcements are made, we'll have a better idea of how much these TVs have increased in price year over year — or if they've increased at all.

That said, it's hard for me to see how this whirlwind of economic forces within the tech industry doesn't ultimately affect the TV business. For my money, the question isn't "will it affect TV prices," but rather, "how much."

The question isn't "will it affect TV prices," but rather, "how much."

You don't have to take my word for it, either. In early January, Samsung President and Head of Global Marketing, Wonjin Lee, went on the record with Bloomberg about the potential impact of the RAM crisis.

"There’s going to be issues around semiconductor supplies, and it’s going to affect everyone. Prices are going up even as we speak," Lee said. "Obviously, we don’t want to convey that burden to the consumers, but we’re going to be at a point where we have to actually consider repricing our products."

Not every TV-maker is girding its loins in the same way — at least not publicly. Recently, Kenneth Hong, Hisense's Head of Corporate Communications & Public Relations, went on the record with Tom's Guide about the rising cost of RAM and its potential effects on the 2026 Hisense TV lineup.

"The memory supply is putting some pressure on our supply chain," Hong said. "[E]rgo, we have and are strengthening collaboration with our suppliers.

""To date," Hong adds, "the RAM issue has not had any material impact on our delivery plans."

But regardless of whether or not prices remain comparable year over year as a result of streamlined collaboration, everyone seems to think that something has to be done about this. The question for shoppers, now is this: Should you pounce on a new TV now or wait?

When should you buy a TV in 2026?

The LG G6 OLED at LG's suite at CES 2026. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

My expert opinion is this: If you're planning on shopping for a new TV this year, the two best times to do so are as follows:

Right now
Just ahead of the holiday shopping season

There's an important caveat to keep in mind, however. If you buy a new TV right now, you won't have your pick of the vast majority of all-new, 2026 models. For most brands, the newest TVs start rolling out to stores in the early spring. Some TV-makers push popular TV releases further into the summer months, too.

This means that buying a TV right now is a mostly a matter of picking from the litter of 2025 models. Now, if you ask me, this isn't that big of a deal. You'll lose out somewhat on the shiny-new-toy feeling, but a new TV is still new, and many of the best sets you can buy from 2025 will still be some of the best models on shelves in 2026.

Yesterday, I put together a list of the best TV deals to shop ahead of a possible price hike in 2026, and it's worth noting just how good some of these discounts are. The LG C5 — the only TV we awarded a five-star rating in 2025 — is currently on sale for 48% off. That's ridiculous.

If you want to get your hands on a TV from the current calendar year, I can't promise that you won't pay more for it at launch than you would have last year at this time. Them's the breaks.

I can, however, strongly recommend that you hold off on purchasing a 2026 TV until the holiday shopping season. Typically, TV prices fall off fast, often reaching their lowest point around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Even if a global RAM shortage raises the floor on these TVs' sale prices, I have a hard time envisioning the price of a 2026 TV being the same in December that it was in April.

I'll be monitoring the situation closely throughout the coming months, but it's worth reiterating just how much more information we'll have very soon. Once brands like LG, Samsung and Hisense begin to play their hands, the forecast of TV pricing will come into focus.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

Michael Desjardin is a Senior Editor for TVs at Tom's Guide. He's been testing and tinkering with TVs professionally for over a decade, previously for Reviewed and USA Today. Michael graduated from Emerson College where he studied media production and screenwriting. He loves cooking, zoning out to ambient music, and getting way too invested in the Red Sox. He considers himself living proof that TV doesn't necessarily rot your brain.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.