Main points
- The Samsung Galaxy S26 is seriously revising its prices due to rising component costs, particularly flash memory, with models starting with 256 GB of storage.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be cheaper at launch compared to its predecessor, while free memory upgrades for pre-orders are being canceled.
Samsung revises Galaxy S26 pricing policy / Depositphotos
Leaks indicate a significant price revision in the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Most models will become more expensive, but the Ultra flagship may go against the trend and become cheaper. The changes will affect not only the cost, but also the memory configurations and the approach to pre-orders.
Why is Samsung changing the prices of the Galaxy S26?
According to insiders and European retailers, Samsung is preparing a significant price adjustment for the Galaxy S26 series. The main reason seems pragmatic – the increase in the cost of components. RAM and flash memory are becoming more expensive again, so smartphone manufacturers have less and less room to maneuver and cannot compensate for these costs without increasing price tags, writes Gizmochina.
One of Samsung's key moves is to ditch the 128GB storage altogether. All Galaxy S26 models will start with 256GB of built-in storage. This may seem like an upgrade for users, but it actually makes it easier for the company to justify a higher starting price.
In Sweden, the base Galaxy S26 with 256 gigabytes is priced at 11,990 Swedish kronor, which is approximately 1,135 euros. For comparison, the Galaxy S25 with the same amount of memory cost 10,990 kronor. The difference is almost 95 euros per year, and if compared with last year's base version with 128 gigabytes, the price increase is approaching 200 euros. The 512 gigabyte version will cost 13,990 kronor, and the extra charge for memory becomes noticeable.
The Galaxy S26+ model looks less clear-cut. The basic 256-gigabyte configuration retains the price of its predecessor – 14,490 CZK. At the same time, the 512-gigabyte version increases sharply and costs 16,990 CZK. This is more than 230 euros more than the similar model last year, which clearly shows how much flash memory has become more expensive.
No major changes in design are expected / OnLeaks render
The Ultra model is getting cheaper
The most interesting situation is with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung seems to have decided to make the flagship more attractive at the start, writes WinFuture.
- The 256 gigabyte version is priced at 16,990 kronor in Sweden, which is lower than the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- The 512 gigabyte configuration is also slightly cheaper.
- The 1 terabyte option remains unchanged.
This looks like an attempt to keep the Ultra competitive in the premium segment, even if the company has to partially absorb the costs.
Pre-order in a new way
Another change worth noting is that Samsung is likely to abandon its usual practice of offering free memory upgrades with pre-orders. At current component prices, such promotions are becoming too expensive and limit pricing flexibility.
What do we know about other characteristics?
In terms of characteristics, no revolution is expected:
- The Galaxy S26 should receive a 6.3-inch M14 generation AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, while the S26+ may be equipped with a 6.7-inch panel with 2K resolution.
- IP68 protection, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and Qi2 support will remain.
- The processor, depending on the region, will be Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
The series is expected to be announced on February 25, 2026, with pre-orders starting the next day, and sales scheduled to begin on March 11.