The latest Galaxy S26 series is making waves, but not for the reasons you'd hope. Brace yourself, because the price hike rumors are here, and they're not pretty.
A Korean news source has revealed a potential price surge for the S26, marking the first increase since the S23. This could make the S26 a whopping $70 more expensive than its predecessor, the S25. But here's where it gets controversial—the 512GB models might cost an additional $110 in Korea, a significant jump!
The report from ET News offers a detailed breakdown of the expected price rise in the domestic market. The 256GB models are set to increase by 99,000 Korean won (~$69), surpassing the previously rumored $60 hike. The table below illustrates the revised pricing for the S26 series:
| Model | 256GB Price (KRW) | 256GB Price (USD) | 512GB Price (KRW) | 512GB Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 | 1,254,000 | $870 | 1,460,000 | $1,010 |
| Galaxy S26 Plus | 1,452,000 | $985 | 1,660,000 | $1,150 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 1,797,000 | $1,245 | 2,000,000 | $1,385 |
The 512GB models seem to bear the brunt of the increase, with prices soaring by around 160,000 won (~$110). Interestingly, while the 256GB pricing seems set, Samsung is still deciding on the final cost for the other variants.
Why the sudden surge? It's all due to the AI boom, which has sparked a RAM demand frenzy. Manufacturers are now prioritizing data centers, leaving consumer-grade products with limited RAM supply. This shortage has dramatically increased the cost of DRAM modules for smartphones, now accounting for 30-40% of a device's Bill of Materials (BOM), up from 10-15%.
This price hike is a first for Korea since the S23 series, and it's a significant one. Samsung is expected to cushion the blow for international buyers, particularly in the US, by absorbing potential losses and maintaining the S25 pricing. Western Europe seems to be following suit, according to leaks.
However, other markets like EMEA and APAC might not be so lucky, but we're still waiting for reliable leaks. TM Roh, Samsung MX Division's CEO, has hinted that this increase could affect more than just phones.
And this is the part most people miss—the Galaxy Buds 4 series is also set to debut on February 25, alongside the S26 series. So, it's not just your wallet that's in for a surprise!
What do you think about this price increase? Is it justified, or are we being taken for a ride? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
