NewsGlobalSamsung Galaxy S26 Series Expected to Launch with Price Increases Due to Memory Chip ShortageSamsung Galaxy S26 Series Expected to Launch with Price Increases Due to Memory Chip Shortage
Samsung's Galaxy S26 series, launching February 25, faces inevitable price increases of $31-62 per model due to global memory chip shortages. Samsung executives have confirmed pricing pressures are unavoidable, with projected U.S. prices of $859 for base model, $1,059 for Plus, and $1,359 for Ultra variants. The company may also reduce or eliminate popular double-storage pre-order promotions as it manages rising component costs.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series faces potential price increases ahead of its expected February 25 launch in San Francisco, as global memory chip shortages continue to pressure smartphone manufacturers. Senior Samsung executives have directly addressed the pricing concerns, suggesting that cost increases may be unavoidable for the upcoming flagship lineup.
Executive Statements Signal Price Adjustments
At CES 2026, Samsung Electronics co-CEO TM Roh told Reuters that "no company is immune" to the pressures from soaring memory prices, describing price raises as "inevitable." This direct acknowledgment from Samsung's leadership represents a significant indication of the challenges facing the smartphone industry.
Global marketing president Wonjin Lee provided additional context in statements to Bloomberg, explaining the company's position on the pricing pressures. "When memory prices go up, it's going to have an impact on the price of products. I don't think we're immune to those issues," Lee stated. He further emphasized the company's reluctance to pass costs to consumers while acknowledging the business reality: "Prices are going up … we don't want to convey that burden to consumers, but we're going to be at a point where we have to consider repricing our products."
Expected Pricing Structure
Reports indicate Samsung is still finalizing pricing strategies across different markets, with varying impact levels depending on regional factors:
| Market Impact: | Details |
|---|---|
| Korea Price Increase: | 44,000 to 88,000 won per model |
| U.S. Dollar Equivalent: | $31–$62 increase per model |
| Base Galaxy S26: | $859 (projected U.S. price) |
| Galaxy S26 Plus: | $1,059 (projected U.S. price) |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra: | $1,359 (projected U.S. price) |
Launch Timeline and Market Availability
Based on hints from noted tipsters Ice Universe and Evan Blass, the Galaxy S26 series launch is expected on February 25 in San Francisco. This timeline suggests consumer availability around March 13, representing a slightly delayed but acceptable schedule compared to the previous year's Galaxy S25 series launch.
Impact on Consumer Promotions
Beyond direct price increases, Samsung may also modify its popular promotional strategies. The company's traditional double-storage pre-order promotion, which offers free upgrades from base storage to higher capacity models along with perks like store credits, may be reduced or eliminated entirely according to industry reports.
Industry-Wide Challenges
The pricing pressures facing Samsung reflect broader challenges within the global smartphone industry, as memory chip shortages continue to affect manufacturing costs across all major device categories. The company's transparent communication about these challenges suggests a strategic approach to managing consumer expectations ahead of the official launch announcement.
Historical Stock Returns for NMDC
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1.36% | -3.80% | +7.80% | +17.85% | +21.94% | +172.72% |
19
