Samsung recently announced a price increase for the Galaxy S26 series, raising the cost by $100 in the US just seven months after their initial launch. This new pricing makes many configurations more expensive than their S25 predecessors. However, savvy shoppers still have opportunities to purchase the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra at more attractive prices.
Current Pricing Trends for Galaxy S26 Models
As of now, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a new price point set at $1,400 for the entry-level 12/256GB variant. Fortunately, Walmart is offering a special promotion where customers can buy it for under $1,000, representing a significant savings of up to $500. If you’re curious about how the S26 Ultra stacks up against both the S25 Ultra and Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max, now is a great time to compare features and specifications.
Galaxy S26 FE Remains Overpriced
While the pricing for the Galaxy S26 FE has not changed, it still seems steep. The 8/128GB model is priced at $700, and the 8/256GB version is $800. For just $40 more, you could opt for the 12/256GB Galaxy S26+, which offers better RAM and several other enhancements, including an improved display and chipset. If you're weighing options, consider how the S26+ compares to both the S26 Ultra and the S25+.
Walmart Offers Competitive Deals
For those looking for the standard Samsung Galaxy S26, the base model has a starting price of $1,000, which feels excessive for a non-Pro phone. However, Walmart significantly undercuts this price, offering it for only $730. Be mindful, though; upgrading to 512GB of storage comes at a premium.
Amazon's Pricing and Upcoming Sales Events
Interestingly, Amazon appears to have reverted to the original launch prices for the Galaxy S26 series. Although there are discounts available, Walmart still offers the best deals. Additionally, Amazon is preparing for its Prime Big Deal Days event, set to kick off on Tuesday. As always, customers will need a Prime membership to access the discounted rates, though trial subscriptions are valid for this purpose.
For those eyeing the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung is offering a $150 discount with no trade-in necessary. If you do decide to trade in an old device, you could receive up to $720 in credit. Unfortunately, similar no-trade-in discounts are not available for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ models.
In conclusion, while Samsung's pricing strategy may raise eyebrows, there are still excellent opportunities to purchase the Galaxy S26 series at reduced prices. Make sure to explore all available options before making a purchase.
Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deals_heres_how_to_avoid_the_galaxy_s26_series_price_hike-news-74871.php
