A dispute between Samsung divisions may cause the Galaxy S26 to be more expensive.

Here's how DRAM chips support smartphones:

LPDDR memory enhances a phone's multitasking, performance, and battery efficiency. When a user opens an app, its code and active data are transferred from slower UFS and NAND flash storage to the quicker LPDDR DRAM. This enables the CPU to rapidly process data and open apps without delay.

DRAM is an essential smartphone component, but its cost is rising. The price of a 12GB DRAM chip has increased to $70, more than double its $33 cost earlier in the year. According to the Seoul Economic Daily, Samsung's MX division requested a DRAM supply contract exceeding 12 months. However, the semiconductor unit declined, choosing instead to capitalize on rising DRAM prices by selling to other manufacturers.

Consequently, Samsung's MX division must now request DRAM supplies quarterly, amid increasing prices. This could lead to Samsung raising prices for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. The Seoul Economic Daily reports that the situation became so strained that high-level executives intervened in negotiations between the two business units.

The MX unit has secured a supply of DRAM chips only for the fourth quarter, from October to December. The DS division can refuse the MX division's request for a supply lasting over a year.

Samsung anticipates success in its chips business next year. In addition to leveraging rising DRAM and NAND flash storage prices, Samsung Foundry will ship 2nm Gate-all-around chips, such as the Exynos 2600 application processor. The processor is expected to power the Galaxy S26 and S26+ in Europe and South Korea.