# Chinese OEMs Recycle Old DRAM for New Smartphones

October 20, 2026 at 03:53 PM

> Smartphone manufacturers are repurposing memory modules from older devices to meet production targets and manage rising component costs.

Chinese smartphone manufacturers are now recycling DRAM from devices up to six years old to power newer base models. This process involves separating, testing, and re-soldering old memory modules onto new circuit boards to maintain production schedules.

The initiative has helped these OEMs meet production targets that were previously reduced earlier this summer. While a dedicated recycling market exists in **Hwachang Bay**, **China**, global firms like **Google** are also adapting old DDR4 modules for new AI servers.

Memory costs remain a critical factor as a square millimeter of older 1b DRAM is currently more expensive than a **TSMC** N2 wafer of the same size. Major players like **Lenovo**, HP, and Dell are securing long-term supply agreements with vendors through 2027.


#SmartphoneTech [#DRAM](<https://hardwarebrief.com/hashtag/dram>) #TechRecycling [#SupplyChain](<https://hardwarebrief.com/hashtag/supplychain>) [#Semiconductors](<https://hardwarebrief.com/hashtag/semiconductors>)

## Related news

## [SK hynix Cancels Solidigm IPO Plans](<https://hardwarebrief.com/article/sk-hynix-cancels-solidigm-ipo-plans-fe76eb9a>)

October 23, 2026 at 02:06 PM

## [Micron Abandons 4F² DRAM Architecture Research](<https://hardwarebrief.com/article/micron-abandons-4f-dram-architecture-research-260b9fa9>)

October 22, 2026 at 07:22 PM

## [Micron Unveils Roadmap for DDR6 and 400-Layer NAND](<https://hardwarebrief.com/article/micron-unveils-roadmap-for-ddr6-and-400-layer-nand-3be41afd>)

October 22, 2026 at 03:09 PM

## [Intel Begins Tooling at New Arizona Fab 62](<https://hardwarebrief.com/article/intel-begins-tooling-at-new-arizona-fab-62-5e149c91>)

October 21, 2026 at 06:13 PM

## [Dell CEO Warns of Intensifying Global Memory Shortage](<https://hardwarebrief.com/article/dell-ceo-warns-of-intensifying-global-memory-shortage-0cc331d6>)

October 21, 2026 at 09:28 AM