Samsung to end LPDDR4 production, shaking up budget device memory supply

Samsung is set to halt production of LPDDR4 memory modules by the end of 2024, South Korean news outlet The Elec reports. The tech giant has already stopped accepting new orders for LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X chips and is shifting its manufacturing lines to focus on LPDDR5, whose demand is skyrocketing.

This move could significantly impact the budget electronics segment. Companies like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung’s own chip divisions still heavily rely on LPDDR4X for their entry-level and mid-range processors. LPDDR4 memory also powers single-board computers, IoT devices, and affordable handheld gaming consoles. These sectors will now need to either switch to LPDDR5 or find alternative suppliers such as SK Hynix and Micron.

Samsung’s shift from LPDDR4 to LPDDR5 memory modules

LPDDR4 has been a mainstay for about a decade, sustained by steady demand. With JEDEC’s recent approval of LPDDR6 specifications, major players like Apple and Qualcomm are preparing to adopt newer memory standards. This transition positions LPDDR5 as the default choice for non-flagship devices going forward.

Alternative suppliers for LPDDR4 and legacy memory standards

Chinese memory makers may help ease the supply crunch. According to ETNews, CXMT is partnering with GigaDevice to provide LPDDR4X, DDR4, and even DDR3 modules to customers still using these legacy standards.

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Continuing relevance of DDR4 memory in PC platforms

Meanwhile, growing adoption of DDR5 memory in PCs has led some users to re-evaluate older generations. AMD continues to support its AM4 platform with DDR4 and plans to re-release the Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor to mark its tenth anniversary-highlighting the ongoing relevance of previous-generation memory and hardware.

Impact of Samsung’s LPDDR4 production halt on the budget device market

Samsung’s decision signals a clear pivot toward LPDDR5 and beyond, forcing the budget device market to adapt quickly. Tracking how manufacturers balance cost, performance, and supply will reveal if older memory standards can maintain a foothold or if LPDDR5 dominance becomes absolute in the coming years.