SUNMI Device Price Increase in 2026: How AI Is Driving a Global RAM/DRAM Shortage

If you’ve been shopping for a new laptop, PC parts, or even a smartphone recently, you may have noticed one thing: prices are creeping up again.

 

One of the biggest reasons behind this global price increase is something many people don’t expect — RAM / DRAM (memory chips).

 

Since 2025, the world is experiencing a tight supply of RAM/DRAM, mainly because the AI boom is consuming an enormous amount of memory for data centres, servers, and AI hardware. This affects not only computers and phones, but also Android devices like SUNMI smart POS terminals, including SUNMI V3, SUNMI D3 Pro, and other SUNMI models.

 

As Mipos (Sunmi Home Malaysia), we want to explain clearly what’s happening — and why SUNMI device prices will increase in 2026.

Quick Summary: Why SUNMI Prices Are Going Up in 2026

Here’s the simple version:

 

✅ AI is driving a massive global demand for memory (RAM/DRAM).
✅ RAM/DRAM supply is already tight since 2025, and becomes worse in 2026.
✅ Memory manufacturers are running at extremely high utilisation, prioritising high-profit AI/server memory.
✅ This causes higher component costs, affecting PCs, phones, tablets, and Android terminals like SUNMI POS terminals.
✅ SUNMI absorbed part of the cost increase in 2025, but 2026 increases are too steep to continue absorbing, so pricing must be adjusted.

 

What Is RAM/DRAM, and Why Does It Affect Device Prices?

RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is a key component inside electronics like:

• PCs & laptops

• Android phones & tablets

• Smart POS terminals (like SUNMI)

• Payment terminals, kiosks, handheld scanners

In everyday terms:

RAM is what makes a device run smoothly and respond quickly.
It helps apps load, multitasking work, and system performance stay stable.

Without enough RAM, devices feel “slow”, “laggy”, and less reliable — which is the last thing you want for business operations.

The Global RAM/DRAM Supply Was Tight in 2025 — and It’s Worse in 2026

Many people think “chips are always available”. But in reality, memory chips are not unlimited, and supply can get squeezed easily.

By late 2025, memory prices surged heavily, and analysts expected further increases in year 2026.

 

TrendForce (a well-known industry research firm) forecasted that conventional DRAM contract prices may rise 55–60% QoQ in Q1 2026, following an already large rise in late 2025.

 

What this means for everyone:
Even if the device brand stays the same, the internal component cost is already much higher.

How AI Is Causing a Global RAM/DRAM Shortage

So why is RAM suddenly “not enough” worldwide?

 

Because AI needs huge memory capacity.

 

Modern AI data centres require massive computing power, and they consume large amounts of high-end memory. Some reports describe AI companies locking in memory supply aggressively, pushing prices up and limiting availability for other industries.

 

TrendForce also noted that the DRAM supply-demand gap is widening as cloud service providers lock in capacity, forcing other buyers to accept higher prices.

 

In simple words:

AI companies are buying memory “in bulk” for servers,
so consumer and business device makers have less supply to buy from.

That’s why the effects spread across many products, not just AI servers.

Why RAM & Chipset Production Capacity Is “Full” in 2026

Another key reason is production capacity constraints.

 

Memory makers (and related components like chipsets) cannot instantly expand output, because factories need time and heavy investment to scale. Some market updates explain that capacity is being heavily committed, with tightness expected to persist through 2026.

 

TrendForce described the early-2026 market as a seller-driven environment where supply remains tight and prices rise broadly.

 

What we expect in 2026

 

• Production lines are already heavily utilised

• Demand is expected to continue growing throughout 2026

• There is a chance the spike may stabilise after Q1 2026, but pricing remains uncertain due to ongoing AI demand pressure

This is why many Android terminal brands — not only SUNMI — will face similar cost pressures.

Why SUNMI Devices Are Directly Affected

SUNMI devices are not simple calculators — they are Android smart terminals with computing power similar to a small phone/tablet.

 

That means SUNMI devices depend heavily on core components like:

• RAM / DRAM

• Processor / chipset

• Storage (flash memory)

• Display, battery, connectivity modules

And among these, RAM + chipset are major cost drivers.

 

So when RAM and chipset costs increase significantly, the overall device cost also rises substantially — and that impacts the final selling price.

RAM and chipset are key components in Android hardware.
When these components become more expensive, Android terminals (including SUNMI) become more expensive too.

SUNMI Absorbed Cost Increases in 2025 — But 2026 Is Too Steep

Here’s what many customers don’t see behind the scenes:

• In 2025, RAM/DRAM was already tight, and component costs were rising.

• SUNMI and supply chain partners worked hard to absorb part of the increase.

• But in 2026, the increase becomes too large and too fast, so it is no longer sustainable to maintain the same prices.

Industry forecasts and news reports support the idea that the price environment in early 2026 is unusually aggressive.

 

This is why SUNMI device pricing in 2026 will be revised gradually in phases.

Which SUNMI Models Are Impacted in 2026?

Most SUNMI Android smart terminals will be affected, including popular models such as:

 

SUNMI V3

A popular model for mobile ordering, retail checkout, and F&B counter use.

 

SUNMI D3 Pro

A stronger countertop terminal often used for higher-traffic operations and multi-outlet businesses.

 

Other SUNMI Android terminals

Depending on specs, RAM capacity, and chipset availability, different models may see different cost impact levels.

 

At Mipos (Sunmi Home Malaysia), we will always aim to keep pricing as fair and transparent as possible, while ensuring customers receive genuine warranty support, local service, and reliable supply.

What Malaysian Business Owners Can Do (Practical Tips)

We understand a price increase is never nice — especially for SMEs and growing businesses. Here are some ways to plan ahead:

 

1) Budget early if you’re expanding outlets in 2026

If you already know you’re opening new branches, it’s better to plan device purchasing earlier (where possible).

 

2) Avoid cheap “unknown source” devices

In a shortage market, some sellers may offer “cheap stock” with unclear warranty, region lock issues, or grey imports.
For POS devices, that risk is much higher than a normal phone purchase.

 

3) Focus on total value, not just device price

For business devices, the real cost is not only hardware — it’s also:

• downtime risk

• service support

• spare parts availability

• software stability

Final Note from Mipos (Sunmi Home Malaysia)

We believe customers deserve simple explanations — not complicated industry jargon.

 

The truth is:
2026 is a challenging year for hardware pricing globally, and RAM/DRAM + chipset costs are one of the biggest reasons.

 

SUNMI already worked to reduce the impact in 2025, but due to the steep component cost surge and ongoing supply tightness in 2026, SUNMI device prices will be adjusted accordingly.

 

If you have questions about pricing, model recommendations, or which SUNMI device fits your business best, feel free to contact Mipos (Sunmi Home Malaysia). We’re happy to help you choose wisely.