# TrendForce forecasts wider use of recycled memory in smartphones

_Published Monday, November 9, 2026 at 9:06 AM EST · Products · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![A photograph of many used smartphones for sale in Sanliurfa, Turkey. — Primary](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n2zquDeZTzsf5MTjgwrqJc-2560-80.jpg)

TrendForce expects the share of smartphones using recycled memory to rise from an estimated 3-4% currently to 7-9% in 2027, as manufacturers seek cheaper components amid rising memory costs, Tom's Hardware reports.

The process removes used chips from old devices and replaces their solder connections so they can be installed in new products. Reballed 4GB LPDDR4X modules currently dominate this market and are used in 4G phones priced below CNY 1,299.

TrendForce expects DRAM prices to rise further in the first quarter of 2027. Reusing chips can help contain production costs, but the tiny solder connections require specialized equipment and expertise.

## Sources

- [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/dram/memory-shortage-spurs-smartphone-makers-to-melt-used-memory-off-old-devices-then-re-solder-it-onto-new-products-recycled-memory-to-keep-budget-phones-affordable-reballing-adoption-to-double-by-2027)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/cARy-HUM24KpFlrmCURtvX
Published: 2026-11-09T14:06:39.464Z
Story chronology: 2026-11-09T13:40:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-11-09T16:56:48.364Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)