Samsung hikes Galaxy S26 prices due to chipflation

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to See Significant Price Hike

Samsung Electronics is reportedly planning to increase the price of its upcoming smartphone, the Galaxy S26 series, by approximately 100,000 Korean won. This marks the first price increase for the Galaxy S series in three years and is attributed to rising costs driven by surging prices of components such as memory.

According to industry sources, Samsung is expected to raise the price of the base model (256GB) of the Galaxy S26 series by around 100,000 Korean won. The price increase for higher-tier models, such as the 512GB variant, is anticipated to be even greater. However, the final extent of the price hike is reportedly subject to adjustment until the final stages before launch.

Previously, Samsung had frozen prices for the Galaxy S series from the Galaxy S23 in 2023 through the S24 and S25. Despite cost pressures last year, the company maintained prices considering market conditions. The MX Division, responsible for smartphones, aimed to minimize price increases this time as well. However, the surge in memory prices appears to have made a price hike unavoidable.

Rising Memory Costs Impact Smartphone Pricing

According to market research firm TrendForce, the proportion of memory costs within smartphones, which previously hovered around 10–15%, has recently surged to 30–40%. Consequently, TrendForce anticipates a 10% year-on-year decline in global smartphone production this year.

A source from the tech industry stated, “While the price increase for Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S series was anticipated, raising the product price by 100,000 Korean won is a clear indication of how severe chipflation has become.”

Launch Details and Promotional Offers

Samsung Electronics will unveil the Galaxy S26 series at the ‘Galaxy Unpacked 2026’ event on the 26th at 3 a.m., Korean time, in San Francisco, California, U.S. Domestic pre-orders are scheduled to run from the 27th to the 5th of next month, with the official release set for the 11th of next month.

To alleviate consumer burden, Samsung Electronics is reportedly planning a promotion that upgrades the storage capacity of purchased models by one tier. For instance, during the promotional period, customers who purchase the 256GB model will receive the 512GB variant.

Additional Information

For those interested in additional services, there are several membership options available. One option offers a monthly fee of 5900 won, with a discounted rate of 2900 won for newspaper readers. Another membership includes access to 8 different newspapers and magazines worth 55000 won. Additionally, members can receive 7000 points that can be used like cash for shopping.

These promotions aim to provide added value to consumers while navigating the challenges posed by increasing production costs and component prices. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, companies like Samsung must balance innovation with affordability to maintain their competitive edge.