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Galaxy S26 price leak gives a solid reason to ignore other phones

The Galaxy S26 might be the only upcoming flagship to not give a price shock.

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By Anam Hamid

Updated: Oct 28, 2025, 1:23 PM

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Galaxy S26 series dummies | Image Credit - Sonny Dickson

Industry insiders are raising the alarm on impending price increases for smartphones, but the Samsung Galaxy S26 might be spared.

Reaping the benefits of vertical integration

Samsung doesn't just make phones. Its memory-making arm recently notified some clients that DRAM prices will shoot up 30 percent in the last quarter. That's roughly when the Galaxy S26 series will enter production.

However, since Samsung will use in-house memory components, including the rumored Exynos 2600 chip, it will be easier for it to cushion the blow. South Korean publication Newdaily says that unlike Chinese manufacturers Vivo, OPPO, Realme, and Xiaomi who recently had to increase smartphone prices, Samsung is under no such pressure, at least in the short term.

The company's lack of reliance on external manufacturers is expected to help it keep the price of the Galaxy S26 series unchanged.

Samsung may be able to maintain prices in the short term thanks to its vertical integration structure and inventory security.

An industry insider, October 2025

Price increases are inevitable

Another South Korean outlet, Hankyung, today reported that Samsung was considering increasing the price of its smartphones due to rising costs. However, as Newdaily notes, a key reason the Galaxy S25 has been selling well is its ability to offer more for the same price.

The Galaxy S25 line was powered entirely by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The upcoming handsets are highly likely to feature the home-brewed Exynos 2600 in all markets except for North America, China, and Japan. Although Exynos 2600 is said to be a powerful chip, which should be reason enough to equip the Galaxy S26 series with it, the report says that Samsung is also inclined to use it to cut costs.

With memory prices showing no sign of abating, Samsung may be forced to raise prices eventually. The Galaxy S26 could be the last phone to ride out the storm.

Would an unchanged price be a reason to buy the S26?

Only if other phones become more expensive.

25.71%

I'll buy it no matter what.

35.43%

No, this series is starting to sound like a mess.

38.86%

The Galaxy S26 series would be a tough sell if the price increased

The Galaxy S26 family has reportedly been delayed until March following Samsung's last-minute decision not to retire the Plus model. The phones aren't rumored to bring anything special to the table.

The uncertainty around the release has already cast a shadow over the launch. This might make consumers less receptive to a price change unless this turns out to be a radical upgrade.

Samsung's competitors don't have the luxury of producing their components, meaning they might be compelled to raise prices. Chinese manufacturers have already shown they are unwilling to shoulder this cost. Not increasing the price of the Galaxy S26 would give Samsung an edge over its rivals, making the series a more attractive option than other top phones.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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