AI ate all the RAM, and now your laptop’s getting a bill
Lenovo and Dell warn of higher PC and laptop prices in 2026 as memory and storage costs surge. Here’s how this impacts UAE buyers and how to lock in current prices.
Lenovo and Dell are quietly telling their partners and enterprise clients what UAE buyers should know — laptop prices are about to rise.
A mix of AI-driven demand, global memory shortages, and spiking DRAM and NAND costs means that PC makers can’t absorb the hit anymore. The result? Your next laptop in the UAE could cost 5–20% more.
Here’s why prices are climbing, how much extra you might pay, and how to still find good laptop deals in the UAE before the hikes land.
Why Lenovo and Dell Are Warning About Higher Laptop Prices
The issue comes down to memory and storage costs. According to TrendForce, AI data centres are consuming record amounts of DRAM and flash storage, leaving fewer chips for regular PCs.
Meanwhile, memory makers are prioritising high-margin server parts over laptop components. DDR5 RAM prices have risen sharply year-on-year, and OEMs like Lenovo and Dell are running out of room to absorb the increases.
- AI servers pay more for DRAM than laptop makers can
- Lenovo says costs are now “more than any player can mitigate”
- Dell is reportedly planning 15–20% price hikes by mid-December 2025
Industry reporting from The Register and Tom’s Hardware confirms that both PC and server prices are set to climb, with memory costs driving most of the increase.
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Did you know? Memory alone can represent 15–18% of a laptop’s total cost — so when DRAM prices spike, end users feel it quickly.
How Much More Could Laptops Cost in 2026?
Short answer: expect to pay 5–20% more depending on specs.
| Laptop Type | Expected Price Rise | Example (AED 3,000 Laptop) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (8GB RAM) | 3–5% | AED 90–150 more |
| Mid-range (16GB/512GB) | 5–10% | AED 150–300 more |
| High-end / Gaming (32GB/1TB) | 10–20% | AED 300–600 more |
Lenovo has told partners that all quotes expire 1 January 2026, with higher prices applying afterwards. Dell’s internal guidance points to similar timing.
That means laptop prices in the UAE will likely rise across major retailers like Sharaf DG and Jumbo Electronics.
What This Means for Laptop Buyers in the UAE
The UAE doesn’t sit outside global supply-chain pressures. Expect to see:
- Fewer discounts on 16 GB RAM or 1 TB SSD laptops
- Older-generation models are staying closer to current prices
- Gaming laptops and high-spec creator machines seeing sharper jumps
- More seasonal promotions instead of year-round low pricing
For ongoing coverage, check Tbreak’s 11.11 Laptop Deals UAE — a useful baseline for local pricing before these hikes.
How to Still Get a Good Deal on Laptops
You’re not helpless — timing and flexibility matter.
- Buy before January 2026 if you’re already planning to upgrade.
- Prioritise RAM and SSD capacity over newer CPUs or marketing terms like “AI PC.”
- Compare UAE deals during sale events like 11.11 and White / Black Friday.
- Use Tbreak’s laptop hub to stay updated on local price trends.
If your current laptop is still performing well, you can wait — but expect fewer “budget” configurations with high memory and storage.
Should You Rush to Buy a Laptop Now?
Not necessarily. The right move depends on your situation:
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Your laptop is old or lagging | Upgrade before Jan 2026 |
| You’re curious about upcoming “AI PC” / next-gen laptops | Wait — but budget for higher prices |
| You’re price-sensitive or a student | Track recurring UAE sale events |
| You need a practical everyday machine | 16 GB RAM + 512 GB–1 TB SSD remains a sweet spot |
Brands already seem to be reshaping their lineups around “AI-ready” laptops — but the tradeoff may be that future laptops are smarter and more expensive.
FAQ: Lenovo and Dell Laptop Price Hikes
💬 Will Lenovo and Dell laptops definitely get more expensive?
Yes — multiple industry reports point to 15–20% hikes on some Dell systems and Lenovo price adjustments from early 2026, driven by memory and storage-cost pressures.
💬 When will the new prices hit?
Dell’s hikes may begin mid-December 2025, while Lenovo’s higher rates apply from 1 January 2026 — which for UAE shoppers could mean new 2026 models arriving at higher prices.
💬 How much more will I pay in the UAE?
Expect at least a 5% increase for most PCs, with larger jumps for gaming or high-RAM/SSD systems. A laptop priced at AED 3,000 today could cost AED 150–300 more under the new pricing.
💬 Is AI really to blame?
Partly — AI data-centres consume massive amounts of high-end DRAM and NAND, pushing up the cost of memory parts needed for regular laptops. This supply-demand shift squeezes consumer hardware budgets.
💬 Should I wait for AI-ready PCs instead?
If you’re interested in next-gen hardware, waiting may make sense — but prepare for higher prices. Otherwise, buying now secures current pricing and simpler, mature hardware.
Bottom Line
AI-driven memory demand and global supply tightness mean laptop prices in the UAE are likely headed upward.
If you’re eyeing a new machine, now’s a good time to compare current deals and lock in pre-2026 pricing — especially for systems with 16 GB RAM or more.
Keep an eye on local retailers and sale events, and follow Tbreak for updates on Lenovo, Dell, and other major PC brands.
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