What Happened
Samsung is preparing to launch its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series, with a confirmed Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 25. Reports indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra, particularly the 1TB variant, may see a significant price increase due to rising component costs, especially for memory chips. The retail price for this model is expected to be approximately 2,545,400 won (~$1,760) in South Korea, marking a nearly 20% increase from the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Why It Matters
The potential price hike for the Galaxy S26 series could impact consumer purchasing decisions, particularly for power users who rely on high-capacity storage. Industry insiders suggest that the increase is largely unavoidable due to the ongoing global memory shortage, which has affected pricing across the smartphone market. While the base model Galaxy S26 is anticipated to maintain its launch price of $799, the Ultra variants are likely to reflect the increased costs, with the 512GB model projected to retail at around 2,059,000 won (~$1,424) and the 256GB variant at approximately 1,797,000 won (~$1,242).
What’s Next
As the launch date approaches, Samsung is expected to provide more details regarding the pricing and specifications of the Galaxy S26 series. Additionally, the company will unveil the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, which are rumored to feature innovative gesture controls and enhanced audio capabilities. Consumers and tech enthusiasts alike will be closely monitoring the event for updates on the Galaxy S26’s features, pricing, and overall market positioning.
