This Galaxy S26 Ultra variant could cost some buyers an arm and a leg

Source: Android Authority

Evan Blass

TL;DR

• The Galaxy S26 series is reportedly set to receive a massive price increase in Samsung’s home country, South Korea.
• Different models are expected to cost 5–20 % more than the Galaxy S25 series.
• One specific variant will be roughly $300 more expensive in Korea.
• For customers outside the country, prices are unlikely to change from previous generations.

Overview

Samsung is slated to unveil the Galaxy S26 series this week. A slew of leaks—including a fresh hands‑on before the launch—have already revealed much of what we can expect at the event. While many were waiting for official pricing, multiple leaks have now hinted at the costs in various regions. The good news is that U.S. buyers may see little change, but users in certain markets, especially South Korea, could face a steep price hike due to a supply‑chain crunch.

South Korean Pricing

Korean media outlets have been circulating rumors of a substantial price increase for the Galaxy S26 series for several weeks. Earlier this month, a report suggested a 5–12 % increase for the 256 GB and 512 GB variants—the first hike since the Galaxy S22.

A later article from Chosun Biz focused on the 1 TB storage variant of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to the publication, this model could cost 2.545 million won (≈ $1,767), representing a jump of roughly $290 compared with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 1 TB version.

If accurate, the Korean price could even surpass U.S. pricing, not accounting for the additional duties and tariffs Samsung pays when importing devices into the United States.

Supply‑Chain Impact

Rising demand for DRAM and NAND modules is straining the supply chain, driving up component costs. TM Roh, Samsung’s president of the Mobile eXPerience (MX) Division, has publicly acknowledged the crunch, though he did not reference the Galaxy S26 series directly. The repeated reports of higher prices reinforce the reality of the supply‑chain pressure.

U.S. Pricing Outlook

For U.S. consumers, Samsung appears poised to absorb the price shock (source). However, it remains uncertain how long this price freeze will last or whether Samsung will eventually need to raise prices internationally. If you plan to purchase a Galaxy S26 device, consider pre‑ordering to secure potential benefits such as a storage upgrade—an incentive Samsung typically offers each year.