Samsung's Galaxy S26 Pricing Strategy: Base Models Get Pricier, Ultra Sees a Discount

Daily Technology

30/01/2026

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series is set to introduce a surprising pricing shift, with reports indicating that the base models will see a price increase while the premium Ultra variant becomes more affordable. This adjustment is reportedly influenced by rising RAM costs, particularly for high-bandwidth memory crucial for AI applications.

Key Takeaways

The base Galaxy S26 model is expected to increase in price by approximately €100.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to be nearly €100 cheaper than its predecessor.
Samsung may discontinue lower storage variants for some models, starting with a higher base storage.
This pricing strategy could make the Ultra more attractive, potentially impacting demand for base and Plus models.

Shifting Price Points For The Galaxy S26 Lineup

New information emerging from Swedish dealer data suggests that Samsung is indeed planning to adjust the pricing for its next flagship smartphone series. While rumors of a general price hike have circulated, the reality appears more nuanced. The standard Galaxy S26 is projected to see an increase of around €100, a change attributed in part to the escalating costs of RAM driven by the high demand for AI-focused memory.

Conversely, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is surprisingly slated to become less expensive, potentially costing nearly €100 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This move aims to maintain the Ultra's appeal despite theoretical cost increases.

Storage Strategy and Market Impact

An important detail regarding the price increase for the base Galaxy S26 is that it applies to the 256GB model, not a 128GB variant. Samsung appears to be phasing out lower storage options in favor of a higher entry-level storage capacity, a strategy already observed with the Ultra model. This means consumers will likely face a higher starting price for the base and Plus versions.

Future Considerations

While the data originates from a Swedish market, where prices can be higher, it offers a valuable glimpse into potential pricing in other regions, including the US and Europe. The report also speculates that Samsung might discontinue its traditional free storage upgrades for pre-order customers, at least for the Ultra model, to offset costs or maintain profitability. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature significant upgrades, including a "Privacy display" and enhancements to camera and battery performance.

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