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Samsung reportedly plans to keep Galaxy S26 pricing unchanged in the United States, a move that could blunt pressure from Apple and aggressive Chinese rivals. But this rumored price freeze won’t necessarily apply everywhere — and Samsung still faces inflationary pressures across other parts of its lineup.
What the rumor says — and why it matters
According to South Korean media, Samsung will launch the Galaxy S26 series in the US at the same starting prices as the S25 family. That means the base S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra are expected to debut at $799, $999, and $1,299 respectively. If true, the company would be holding the line on prices despite rising component costs that pushed many flagships higher in 2025.
Why would Samsung do this? Market share. Keeping US prices stable helps Samsung stay competitive against Apple and cost-competitive Chinese brands that have been undercutting premium rivals. For many buyers, a familiar price tag makes the upgrade decision easier — especially when new features and incremental camera or chip upgrades are involved.
Where prices could still climb
The price freeze reportedly applies only to the US. Markets outside America — including Samsung’s home market, South Korea — may still see higher launch prices. Local taxes, import tariffs and currency shifts frequently alter retail pricing by region, and Samsung appears ready to absorb those differences selectively.
It’s also not a universal rollback: South Korean reports suggest that some Galaxy A Series models will arrive at higher prices this year. So while flagship buyers in the US might get a break, mid-range buyers could face sticker shock.
What else is on the roadmap?
Leaks and renders (credited to OnLeaks and AndroidHeadlines) have already given us an early look at the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s design. South Korean outlets say Samsung will unveil the S26 lineup on February 25 in San Francisco. As for foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8 are reportedly staying on their predecessors’ price formulas and could be announced in July.
- Expected US base prices: S26 $799, S26+ $999, S26 Ultra $1,299.
- Price freeze reportedly limited to the United States; other regions may see increases.
- Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8 likely to match previous generation pricing.
- Some Galaxy A Series models could be more expensive at launch.
Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed these details. For now, treat the South Korean reports and leaked renders as strong signals rather than finalized pricing. If you’re planning to upgrade, the US price stability rumor is welcome news — but global buyers should watch regional announcements closely.
Source: gsmarena
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