The Galaxy S26 could be over $100 more expensive in some markets

Source: Android Authority

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

TL;DR

• A Korean news outlet has reported the expected price increase for the Galaxy S26.
• This is the first price increase since the Galaxy S23 and could make the Galaxy S26 at least $70 more expensive than Galaxy S25 models.
• The 512 GB variants could be ~$110 more expensive in Korea.
• Samsung is expected to absorb these losses for the US and other major international markets.

Price increase in the Korean market

A recent report from ET News provides a detailed breakdown of the anticipated price hikes for the domestic market. The 256 GB models are expected to rise by 99,000 KRW (≈ $69), while the 512 GB variants could see an increase of about 160,000 KRW (≈ $110).

Revised pricing (tentative)

These higher prices are driven by surging demand for RAM amid the AI boom, which is forcing manufacturers to prioritize data‑center supply and limiting availability for consumer‑grade products. Consequently, the share of DRAM in a smartphone’s bill of materials has risen from roughly 10–15 % to 30–40 %.

International pricing outlook

• This is the first price increase in Korea since the Galaxy S23 series.
• Samsung is expected to absorb any additional costs for international consumers, keeping the Galaxy S26 priced similarly to the Galaxy S25 in markets such as the United States and Western Europe.
• Pricing for other regions (EMEA, APAC) remains unconfirmed.

Related news

• Samsung is also slated to unveil the Galaxy Buds 4 series on February 25.

For more details on the specifications and other leaks, see the following articles:

• Galaxy S26 specifications
• Potential price increase report
• RAM price surge and AI impact
• International pricing leak

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