The memory and NAND shortage has already pushed up prices for laptops, phones, consumer RAM, and other upgrade-heavy devices. Samsung’s latest earnings report now suggests the pressure may soon extend to more electronics that rely on advanced chips and built-in storage.
The company says demand is already far ahead of supply, and the gap could get worse in 2027. Buyers planning to purchase a phone, laptop, gaming PC, console, TV, or smart device over the next year may feel the impact.
Samsung reported a record quarter as booming AI demand helped its chip division drive most of the profit surge. Data center companies are buying huge amounts of advanced memory, adding pressure to the wider tech supply chain.
The company said that supply is falling far short of customer demand. This can mean higher component costs, fewer discounts, and pricier upgrades for consumers. The risk is not limited to phones and laptops. Many modern electronics rely on some form of memory, which means smart TVs, cameras, routers, wearables, cars, and smart home devices, among others, could also come under pricing pressure.
The South Korean conglomerate is already feeling this from both sides. Higher chip prices helped its semiconductor business, while its mobile and display units took a hit. Mobile and network profit fell 35% in the first quarter, and display profit also declined.
Samsung S26 PlusMoinak Pal/Digital Trends
Which gadgets could become more expensive?
The smartphone market is already showing early warning signs. Most brands are raising prices on new devices, while also cutting back on memory and storage options. According to IDC, sub-$100 Android phones may become permanently unviable because manufacturers in this segment work with thin margins. This sharp increase in memory and storage costs risks wiping out profitability in this segment.
Samsung’s report reveals that the next round of price hikes may not be driven solely by larger cameras, faster screens, or new AI features, as the cost of memory in everyday devices could play a bigger role.
The arrival of another weekend means another opportunity for some escapism, and what better genre to provide that than science fiction and fantasy? Their advanced CGI capabilities, detailed lore, and ability to explore complex social issues in an allegorical setting are unbeatable at delivering on escapist entertainment, and that’s where we’re headed.
As you unwind this weekend, flip over to Amazon Prime Video and get lost in another world with these three proven sci-fi/fantasy shows to stream in the U.S.—our top pick being a surprisingly engaging reimagining of a classic historical legend.
3
The Magicians
A darker Harry Potter story for adults
With over 60 episodes across 5 spectacular seasons to immerse yourself in, The Magicians is a fantastic dark fantasy/sci-fi series based on the trilogy novels by Lev Grossman about a group of friends who discover that magic is real and adventurous but not always like you’d expect.
Quentin Coldwater (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Jason Ralph) is a highly intelligent but socially withdrawn 20-something-year-old secretly obsessed with a series of fantasy novels he read as a child about a magical land called Fillory. Outside of that, his life is super dull… until he’s mysteriously admitted to a secret, exclusive college of magic in Upstate New York. There, he’s introduced to a thorough, rigorous education in the practice of modern sorcery, but the gift doesn’t bring the happiness, adventure, and meaning he thought it would. When he and his friends discover that the otherworldly Fillory really exists, their entire lives change in a flash.
While the magic is fun and all, the focus here lies on the consequences of using it and the complex emotions of series characters, who are flawed and navigating trauma. Fans of the genre will love the show’s witty, sometimes hedonistic take on magic education and fantasy tropes, which the show does a spectacular job of subverting by showing that magic is fickle and guarantees nothing. Furthermore, its blend of serious emotional stakes with whimsical meta absurdity and world-building makes it even more unique.
2
Humans
Blurred lines between humans and machines
A sci-fi must-watch for fans of the genre, Humans is based on the Swedish award-winning drama Real Humans, which explores themes of artificial intelligence sentience, human-robot interactions, AI effects on the future of humanity, and defining humanity in a way that feels topical and thought-provoking.
Set in a parallel universe where technology is highly advanced, and life-like humanoids called Synths are the must-have machines for every household, the core story follows a small group of sentients trying to survive in a world that views them as property. The drama kicks off when the Hawkins family purchases a used Synth, who is not who they think she is, leading to suspenseful consequences full of high stakes for their family life. It also explores how society treats Synths, drawing parallels to racism and sexism.
Humans is grounded and emotional in its otherworldly exploration of AI and consciousness in a near-future world, excelling at analyzing their social, moral, and familial impacts. Rather than focusing only on apocalyptic threats, the series hones in on one family’s daily interactions with their Synth. Fans of shows like Black Mirror and Westworld will love it for its much more intimate and character-driven look at technology.
1
The Winter King
A less-fantastical version of Game of Thrones
I am always down for getting into a good fantasy series, especially if it revolves around the whole King Arthur-Merlin legend. Right now, you can stream 2023’s The Winter King, which reimagines the Arthurian legend from the perspective of a former warrior who narrates the series as an elderly monk.
A gritty adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles about King Arthur, the series is set in a brutal, war-torn Britain following the Roman withdrawal. The story details the obstacles and struggles Arthur Pendragon (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Iain De Caestecker) faces as he rises in rank from an outcast warlord to the leader and unifier of broken British kingdoms. With the Saxon forces invading through little resistance, Arthur must navigate treacherous political landscapes while also contending with his doomed romance with Guinevere (Hotel Costiera‘s Jordan Alexandra).
What’s so watch-worthy about this series is its structured framework as a chronicle of events told through flashbacks by former warrior-turned-monk Derfel (Rogue Heroes’ Stuart Campbell). It’s a genuinely compelling interpretation of a legendary time in history, so expect a super-dark, otherworldly portrayal of 5th-century Britain rife with plenty of power struggles, detailed battle scenes, bloody warfare, pagan rites, vengeance, and heavy, ornate royal robes.
The fun doesn’t stop here, though. No matter your genre interests, Prime Video has an excellent selection of shows to help you relax, unwind, and escape straight into another world. Despite the platform’s recent price hike, the subscription is still worth keeping for all the gems that just keep on coming in droves. Stay tuned, because more is in store, and we’re the ones who’ll always have you covered.
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