TL;DR
A Korean report says Samsung will keep US launch prices for the Galaxy S26 lineup unchanged from the S25, with entry models at $799, $999, and $1,299. The company would accept a 10–15% margin hit, leaning on strong DRAM and NAND profits to help offset higher component costs; price increases are still expected in some other regions and for mid-range models.
What happened
According to a Korean report cited by Android Police, Samsung has decided not to raise starting prices for its Galaxy S26 series in the United States, keeping the entry S26 at $799 and the S26+ and S26 Ultra at $999 and $1,299 respectively. The move follows internal pressure to avoid a price hike after Apple held iPhone 17 pricing steady. Rising component costs, tariffs and shortages — notably in DRAM and NAND supply chains — made maintaining prices difficult, but Samsung would reportedly accept a 10–15% reduction in profit margins to preserve U.S. price levels. The same price restraint is said to extend to upcoming foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8, slated for later in 2026. However, the report anticipates price increases in South Korea and potentially in Europe and other Asian markets, while mid-range Galaxy A models are expected to see higher prices without significant hardware upgrades.
Why it matters
- Consumers in the U.S. could see flagship Samsung prices remain stable despite global cost pressures, affecting buying decisions.
- Samsung's profit margins on flagship phones would shrink, altering its financial trade-offs amid high component costs.
- Regional pricing divergence could create uneven market dynamics, with home and international customers facing higher prices.
- Mid-range buyers may face higher costs without clear hardware improvements, which could influence smartphone market segmentation and sales.
Key facts
- Report claims U.S. launch prices for Galaxy S26 will match the Galaxy S25 lineup.
- Alleged U.S. price points: S26 from $799, S26+ at $999, S26 Ultra at $1,299.
- Samsung would reportedly absorb a 10–15% hit to profit margins to hold prices.
- High margins in DRAM and NAND businesses are cited as a cushion against the margin hit.
- Price freeze is said to apply to Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8, expected later in 2026.
- Price increases are likely in South Korea and could happen across Europe and other Asian markets due to currency and cost pressures.
- Mid-range Galaxy A phones are expected to increase in price, with little to no meaningful hardware upgrades.
- If confirmed, this would mark the fourth consecutive year Samsung avoided raising flagship launch prices.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation from Samsung on Galaxy S26 and foldable pricing and regional differences.
- Announcements about pricing for South Korea, Europe and other Asian markets to see how widely the freeze applies.
- Details on Galaxy A series pricing and whether the higher prices include meaningful hardware changes.
- Market response and whether Apple’s pricing strategy and any foldable iPhone moves influence Samsung’s final decisions.
Quick glossary
- DRAM: A type of memory used in smartphones and computers for fast, temporary storage; a key component in device performance.
- NAND: A form of flash storage used for persistent data storage in phones, SSDs and other devices.
- Flagship: A manufacturer's top-tier product line, usually featuring the latest features and highest price points.
- Mid-range: Device segment positioned between budget and flagship, balancing features and cost for mainstream buyers.
Reader FAQ
Will the Galaxy S26 be more expensive than the S25?
The report says U.S. launch prices would remain the same as the S25: $799, $999 and $1,299 for the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra respectively.
Is the price freeze global?
The report suggests the freeze applies mainly to the U.S.; increases are expected in South Korea and possibly Europe and other Asian markets.
Were these prices confirmed by Samsung?
not confirmed in the source
Will Samsung’s foldable phones get the same pricing treatment?
The report indicates the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 launches later in 2026 would also avoid price hikes in the applicable markets.
Samsung Galaxy S26 pricing rumor brings rare good news By Rajesh Pandey Published 18 minutes ago Rajesh started following the latest happenings in the world of Android around the release…
Sources
- Samsung Galaxy S26 pricing rumor brings rare good news
- A fresh Samsung Galaxy S26 leak points to a launch date
- Samsung Galaxy S26 price not locked yet, losing money …
- Galaxy S26 pricing news everyone was waiting for is here
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