Update January 20th: Samsung Plans To Avoid Galaxy S26 Price Rise
Update 12:40pm ET: A new report from Korean outlet iNews24 claims that Samsung is still deciding how to price the Galaxy S26 series ahead of next month’s launch. Speaking with a Samsung insider, the outlet reported that the company is “doing their best” to ensure the Galaxy S26 Ultra price does not exceed 2 million won, which converts to approximately $1,357. For context, the Galaxy S25 Ultra launched at $1,299.
Samsung reportedly wants to maintain the $1,300 starting price for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, “even if it means bearing the burden of exchange rates,” according to iNews24. This follows a previous report from ET News claiming Samsung could increase the price of the Galaxy S26 series by 44,000 won ($31) to 88,000 won ($62) per model.
In the U.S., this could result in the Galaxy S26 series topping out at roughly $859, $1,059, and $1,359 for the base, Plus, and Ultra models, respectively—figures that align with a direct conversion of the 2-million-won ceiling.
The dramatic rise in memory prices, which is impacting all smartphone manufacturers, is forcing Samsung to get creative to avoid a retail price hike. iNews24 claims the company may rethink its popular “double storage” pre-order deal. This promotion is particularly costly given the current global chip shortage.
Samsung is also reportedly considering reducing marketing costs or “adjusting compensation sales subsidies.” This suggests the company might scale back the aggressive discount strategies and high trade-in values that typically run throughout the year for its flagship tech. Read more about what that might look like for Samsung phone buyers here.
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Original story…
While the Samsung Galaxy S26 release date has been delayed and Samsung weighs a price rise for the 2026 flagship, one aspect of the series looks certain: only three models will be launched next month.
Samsung Colombia has inadvertently confirmed the existence of the three Galaxy S26 models that will land at Galaxy Unpacked next month. In a promotional document—a PDF first spotted by SamMobile—the company details a 0% interest deal for select Galaxy phones when purchased with a local credit card.
The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are explicitly listed as the models that qualify for the promotion. This marks the first time Samsung has officially listed the specific models and names set for release in February.
Rumors had initially pointed to Samsung renaming the base unit as the Galaxy S26 “Pro,” with a Galaxy S26 Edge usurping the Plus model. However, the Edge’s poor sales and reception from buyers reportedly convinced the Korean company to ditch those plans and revert back to the “Plus” branding.
Galaxy S26 Plus Specs: What to Expect
Unless Samsung has something special up its sleeve, don’t expect major differences between the S25 Plus and its successor. The Galaxy S26 Plus will feature a 6.66-inch screen, which is slightly smaller than the 6.7-inch display of the Galaxy S25 Plus, according to The Elec. Samsung had apparently considered using the same OLED panel developed for the cancelled Galaxy S26 Edge but ultimately opted for a display similar to the one used in the previous generation.
Samsung’s Updated Galaxy S26 Release Date
Several rumors point towards the Samsung Galaxy S26 series landing on February 25th, 2026. The Galaxy Unpacked event will take place at 7 PM Central European Time (10 AM PT / 1 PM ET), according to Dealabs. The site also claims the devices will be available for purchase on March 11th in Europe, a date that likely applies globally.
March 11th falls within the 14-to-16-day window between the announcement and the on-sale date that Samsung has typically used for previous launches. What is different this time is the day of the week; Samsung usually releases its phones on a Friday, but March 11th is a Wednesday. Considering Samsung delayed its 2026 flagship launch to swap out the Galaxy S26 Edge, it is no surprise the company is deviating from its usual schedule.
Potential Galaxy S26 Price Rise
It now appears that a price rise, or a significant change to Samsung’s discount strategy, is inevitable. Speaking to Reuters at CES 2026, Samsung Electronics co-CEO TM Roh stated that “no company is immune” to the pressure of the global memory shortage and subsequent skyrocketing prices. Roh did not rule out raising product prices, going so far as to call it “inevitable.”
Samsung’s global marketing president, Wonjin Lee, echoed this warning in an interview with Bloomberg about future Galaxy S26 pricing. “When memory prices go up, it’s going to have an impact on the price of products. I don’t think we’re immune to those issues,” Lee said. “Prices are going up… we don’t want to convey that burden to consumers, but we’re going to be at a point where we have to consider repricing our products.”
