You can still save up to $1,300 on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at AT&T - here's the details

Published: (March 9, 2026 at 12:06 PM EDT)
4 min read
Source: ZDNet

Source: ZDNet

Samsung Unpacked 2026 – What’s New?

Prakhar Khanna holding the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Prakhar Khanna / ZDNET

The Samsung Unpacked event (Feb 25 2026) introduced the Galaxy S26 family – S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra – each with larger batteries, refreshed software, and a suite of AI‑driven features.

Also: Everything Samsung announced at Unpacked: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Privacy Display, Buds 4 Pro

AT&T Trade‑In Offer (Last Chance)

ModelTrade‑in DealMax Savings*
Galaxy S26 Ultra$0 phone with eligible trade‑in (36 monthly bill credits)$1,300
Galaxy S26 Plus$0 phone with eligible trade‑in (36 monthly bill credits)$1,100
Galaxy S26$0 phone with eligible trade‑in (36 monthly bill credits)$900

*Savings are applied after 36 monthly bill credits and require activation of a qualifying AT&T plan.

How to qualify

  1. Trade‑in an eligible device – AT&T accepts any condition of the following (or newer) models:

    • Galaxy S24 Plus, Z Fold 5, or newer – up to $1,300 off the Ultra.
    • Galaxy S22 Plus, Z Fold 3, or newer – up to $1,100 off the Plus.
    • Other smartphones – up to $900 off the S26 (subject to condition).
  2. Activate a qualifying post‑paid plan – New customers need the AT&T Unlimited Starter plan (post‑paid unlimited voice & data, starting at $76 / mo before discounts).

    • Ineligible plans: AT&T 55+, Value Plus, Value Plus VL, Value Plus Unlimited.
  3. Either open a new line or upgrade an existing one – Both new and existing AT&T customers are eligible.

Full terms are available on the AT&T trade‑in site:

Financing & Pre‑order Prices

ModelMonthly payment (starting)Pre‑order link
Galaxy S26$25 / moBuy now
Galaxy S26 Plus$31 / moBuy now
Galaxy S26 Ultra$36 / moBuy now

AT&T also offers additional promotions – see the full list here.

Highlight: Privacy Display

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a Privacy Display that narrows the viewing angle, keeping on‑screen content visible only to the person directly in front of the phone.

Privacy Display turned on on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (image placeholder)
With Privacy Display enabled, the screen is only faintly visible from the sides – Prakhar Khanna / ZDNET

Also: I tried the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and need the Privacy Display feature on my iPhone ASAP

All links are affiliate or tracking URLs.

How I Rated This Deal

Getting your hands on a brand‑new, just‑announced Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for free is a great deal. Yes, a service plan is required, and an eligible trade‑in makes the offer even more enticing, but carrier freebies are the easiest and most affordable way to upgrade your device. Both new and existing AT&T customers can take advantage of these Samsung Galaxy deals through multiple combinations. That’s why I gave this deal a 5/5 Editor’s Deal Rating.

Deal Availability

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We’re sorry if you missed this one, but don’t fret—our team is constantly uncovering new savings opportunities and sharing them on ZDNET.com.

Why Trust ZDNET?

  • 33 years of experience in tech journalism.
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In 2026 we’ve refined our approach to deals, developing a measurable system for sharing savings with readers like you. Our Editor’s Deal Rating badges appear on most of our deal content, making it easy to gauge our expertise and help you make the best purchase decision.

Our rating system combines:

  1. Percentage‑off calculations to classify savings on top‑tech products.
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The result? Hand‑crafted deals chosen specifically for ZDNET readers, fully backed by our experts.

Also: How we rate deals at ZDNET in 2026

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