Samsung is reportedly planning to keep U.S. launch prices for its upcoming Galaxy S26 series unchanged, despite rising costs across the smartphone supply chain.
According to a Korean report cited by leaker @jukan05, the Galaxy S26 lineup will match the Galaxy S25’s starting prices in the United States:
- Galaxy S26: $799
- Galaxy S26+: $999
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: $1,299
The report suggests Samsung has been debating whether to increase prices amid a DRM shortage, higher component costs and tariffs. The company is said to have decided against a price hike for now, even though this could trim its profit margins by 10–15%. Strong profitability in DRAM and NAND memory is expected to help offset the hit.
The price freeze is believed to apply primarily to the U.S. market. In South Korea, Samsung is likely to raise prices because of the weaker Korean won, with similar increases possible in Europe and other parts of Asia.
If Samsung holds the line on U.S. pricing, it would be the fourth straight year without a starting price increase for its flagship phones. The same strategy is reportedly planned for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 foldables, which are due in 2026.
Apple’s decision to keep iPhone 17 pricing steady is not mentioned directly in the report, but it likely plays a role in Samsung’s calculus as competition intensifies, especially with Apple widely expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone this year.
Mid-range Galaxy A phones face price hikes
While Samsung’s flagship prices may hold steady in the U.S., its mid-range Galaxy A series is expected to become more expensive. The slimmer margins on these devices leave Samsung with less room to absorb rising component costs.
The report indicates that many Galaxy A models will see higher prices without significant hardware upgrades, meaning buyers could pay more for largely similar devices. Analysts expect this pattern to extend across much of the smartphone market in 2026, as manufacturers grapple with cost pressures.