The Galaxy S27 series launch is closing in fast, and one of the key upgrades was supposed to be next-generation LPDDR6 memory. Now, a new report suggests that Samsung might stick to slower RAM for the base models to keep the price down. The Galaxy S27 Ultra could be the sole model to feature LPDDR6 memory, but this will come at a cost.
Samsung carrying out quality tests with Micron's LPDDR5X memory
Samsung is testing LPDDR5X modules from Micron. | Image by Micron
According to Korean media outlet The Bell, Samsung has started quality tests using Micron's new LPDDR5X memory based on the 1y (gamma) process. Inside sources claim that these quality tests aim to evaluate Micron's LPDDR5X RAM specifically for the Galaxy S27 series.
The 1y process-based 16Gb (gigabit) LPDDR5X product has entered the ramp-up phase at a major smartphone manufacturer. We are also supplying samples to several smartphone customers.
- Micron during annual earnings conference call
This is not the first time Samsung has tested Micron's LPDDR5X modules. Late last year, Micron submitted RAM samples to Samsung, reportedly for the Galaxy S26 series. At the time, Samsung decided to postpone the adoption of Micron memory until the Galaxy S27 series.
Micron added that it's ramping up production of LPDDR5X memory for a "major smartphone manufacturer" while also supplying the chips to several other smartphone brands.
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Galaxy S27 series' big money problem
The problem, as is usually the case, is money. The ongoing memory crisis has skyrocketed chip prices, and Samsung expects Micron to ask for a 50% higher starting price for its LPDDR5X memory compared to Samsung's own chip division.
Negotiations have only just begun, so Micron has not yet provided a specific first offer price. At this time, Micron is expected to begin negotiations at a price about 50% higher than Samsung Electronics' DS division products. We need to end negotiations at least before Chuseok, but the price difference between the two companies is large, so it will not be easy.
- Inside sources cited by The Bell
There's a shortage of components, forcing Samsung to look elsewhere to secure memory chips for the Galaxy S27 family. And with Micron's prices already expected to be high, things are not looking good.
Would you buy the Galaxy S27 Ultra if it cost as much as a foldable?
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Another split launch for the Galaxy S27
The Galaxy S27 Ultra might be the sole model to feature Qualcomm's latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor. | Image by Notebookcheck
There's still a chance for the Galaxy S27 Ultra to get the new LPDDR6 RAM, which is expected to be much faster and offer significantly wider bandwidth than the previous generation.
Previous rumors suggest that Samsung might split the hardware across the Galaxy S27 series—slapping the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 into the Galaxy S27 Ultra while opting for the Exynos 2700 in the lower-tier models.
The scenario might be the same when it comes to RAM modules. The Galaxy S27 Ultra might be the only one getting LPDDR6, while the base models could come equipped with the Micron LPDDR5X memory the company is currently testing.
The Galaxy S27 Ultra could be very expensive
The Galaxy S27 Ultra is shaping up to be extremely expensive. | Image by IceUniverse
The latest news from suppliers and industry insiders paints a grim picture. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 is expected to be extremely expensive, north of $300 a piece.
Meanwhile, memory prices are continuing to rise, with the latest LPDDR6 chips expected to cost nearly $70 a piece for 12GB flagship-spec modules.
As a result, we're possibly looking at the most expensive Galaxy Ultra ever, potentially challenging even some foldables on the market. Would you still buy the Galaxy S27 Ultra, if it costed as much as a foldable, or go the foldable route?
Read more about the upcoming Galaxy S27 series here:
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Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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