A price increase for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is uncertain.
A flagship phone gets a flagship price – that's the way it is.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is coming in several weeks, and while details remain unconfirmed, it is certain that this top-tier phone will have a top-tier price.
It is widely anticipated that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be expensive, as it will represent Samsung's best non-folding device in 2026, offering advanced performance, cameras, battery, stability, and features.
Will it still cost $1,299?
Device Price
Galaxy S26 Ultra $1,299.99–$1.399.99*
Galaxy S25 Ultra $1,299.99
Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,299.99
Galaxy S23 Ultra $1,199.99
* - expected
The Galaxy S26 Ultra's predecessor was launched at $1,299, a $100 premium over Apple's most expensive phone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The main question is whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra will maintain its predecessor's $1,299 price in 2026, but currently there's no definitive answer, and arguments exist on both sides.
RAM Shortage Could Cause Price Increase
The rising cost of RAM may impact prices. High demand from AI data centers is impacting global supply chains, affecting more than just servers.
Samsung has recently increased RAM prices by 60%. RAM prices are up to three times higher worldwide, with some stores selling at market price rather than listing a fixed price.
Additionally, Samsung's Mobile Experience (MX) and Semiconductor (DS) divisions are in conflict. MX, the Galaxy smartphone division, requested DRAM chips for over a year, but the Semiconductor (DS) unit declined. DRAM costs have increased, with a 12GB chip costing around $70, more than double the price from earlier in the year.
The DS unit chose to sell its DRAM to other manufacturers instead of fulfilling MX's request, forcing MX to obtain quarterly supplies. This issue could disrupt production plans and potentially raise prices for the Galaxy S26 series.
Prices Could Remain Stable Due to Already High Cost
Conversely, some believe Samsung can maintain current prices despite market volatility.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra may not offer significant upgrades over the S25 Ultra, with a privacy-focused display, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, improved features, and slightly faster charging speeds expected.
The camera setup will likely remain the same (the 3x telephoto lens might have a smaller sensor), the battery may stay at 5,000 mAh (no longer competitive with 7,000+ mAh phones), the design will be similar, and the display might be underwhelming.
The $1,299 price of the Galaxy S Ultra is already quite high, and a further increase could be a risky move for Samsung, particularly with Apple expected to surpass it.
A Price Hike Is Possible
A price increase for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a real possibility, as leaks suggest that all Galaxy S26 models may be more expensive.
Furthermore, the ongoing memory shortage suggests higher phone prices next year. Xiaomi executives have already warned of potential price increases in 2026.
Alternatively, the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus could see price increases, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains at $1,299.
Device Price
Galaxy S26 Ultra $1,299.99–$1.399.99*
Galaxy S25 Ultra $1,299.99
Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,299.99
Galaxy S23 Ultra $1,199.99
* - expected
Device Price
Galaxy S26 Ultra $1,299.99–$1.399.99*
Galaxy S25 Ultra $1,299.99
Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,299.99
Galaxy S23 Ultra $1,199.99