The Galaxy S26 may cost more due to rising component prices.

Key smartphone part costs are increasing.

ET News reports that Samsung is facing higher prices for vital components required for the S26 series' production. Samsung's recent report revealed a 12% increase in chipset prices, around an 8% increase for camera modules, and over a 16% increase for LPDDR5 mobile RAM.

The most significant change is the spike in LPDDR5 mobile RAM costs, caused by supply issues as chipmakers focus on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production for AI servers.

The increase in AI semiconductors is impacting smartphone component availability. Experts cited by ET News predict this will continue into 2026, making it harder for Samsung and other manufacturers to maintain current prices.

Samsung may find pricing decisions more challenging.

ET News states Samsung is dealing with increased costs for essential S26 series components. Their report indicates a 12% rise in chipset prices, about an 8% rise in camera modules, and a more than 16% rise in LPDDR5 mobile RAM.

The most notable change is the rise in LPDDR5 mobile RAM, caused by supply constraints as chip manufacturers prioritize high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production for AI servers.

The AI semiconductor boom is impacting smartphone component supply. Industry analysts cited in ET News anticipate this pressure will continue into 2026, making it difficult for Samsung and other phone makers to maintain their present pricing.

The Galaxy S26 is expected to come in the same base, Plus, and Ultra models as before. Samsung has reportedly stopped its Galaxy “Pro” and “Edge” phone plans from earlier this year.

This change has allegedly caused a slight delay in the phones’ launch, now expected on February 25 in San Francisco.

If Samsung increases prices, it would be the first flagship price change in years. In the US, the Galaxy S25 Ultra started at $1300, while the Plus and base models cost $1000 and $800, respectively. A $50-$100 increase for the Galaxy S26 series is possible.

Due to rising production costs and a global rise in semiconductor prices, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy phones face a tougher pricing landscape. While Samsung might use its supply chain to lessen the impact, a Galaxy S26 price increase seems likely, even if small.

With the new models expected in late February, all eyes will be on whether Samsung can keep its premium phones competitively priced as component costs rise. How the company manages this situation could show what to expect from other major phone manufacturers in 2026.