Highlights
- The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra are likely to launch at higher prices than the S25 series, breaking Samsung’s recent pricing pattern.
- Rising costs of mobile APs (up 12%) and camera modules (up 8%) along with increased demand for memory chips due to AI server growth are driving the hike.
- Other brands like Apple, Redmi, Vivo, and OPPO have also raised prices in 2025.
Caption – Previously leaked images of Galaxy S26 Ultra dummy unit. (Image credit – Reddit)
It appears Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series is likely to debut at higher price points compared to the Galaxy S25 lineup. Industry reports suggest the main reason behind this hike is a sharp rise in component costs, driven by the booming semiconductor market and increased demand for memory used in AI servers. Here’s the full story.
Galaxy S26 Series Could Launch At Higher Price
Caption – Previously leaked image of Galaxy S26 series screen protectors. (Image credit – @UniverseIce on X)
The latest news on Galaxy S26 price comes from a recent report published in the Korean outlet ET News via tipster @Jukanlosreve on X (Formerly Twitter).
The report indicates that Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra with noticeably higher prices than their predecessors. While the Galaxy S25 series maintained nearly the same pricing as the Galaxy S24 series, the upcoming S26 lineup is expected to break that pattern.
Smartphone component prices are rising across the board… a price increase for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 is inevitable
The price of Samsung Electronics’ next-generation smartphone, the Galaxy S26 series, is expected to rise compared to its predecessor. This is because the boom in the… pic.twitter.com/V7HpjO6dBr
— Jukan (@Jukanlosreve) November 4, 2025
The primary factor behind the hike is the surge in the memory semiconductor market and consecutive price increases of essential smartphone components. Industry insiders have revealed that component prices especially for mobile application processors (APs) have risen significantly.
Samsung Electronics’ semi-annual report noted a 12% increase in mobile AP prices and an 8% increase in camera module costs.
Rising Memory Semiconductor Prices and AI Demand
Another contributing factor to the Galaxy S26 series price increase is the shortage of memory chips for smartphones. The high demand for HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), driven by the rapid expansion of AI servers, has created a ripple effect across the entire memory supply chain.
Market research data shows that 96GB LPDDR5 DRAM prices rose by 16% compared to Q1 2025, with prices still trending upward. Analysts warn that continued price hikes in memory components, coupled with external factors such as tariffs and market uncertainties, could further influence Samsung’s final pricing strategy for its flagship lineup.
Rising Smartphone Prices
The rise in component costs has already affected other major smartphone brands this year. Apple increased prices with its iPhone 17 series and a similar move is expected with the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup.
Redmi K90 series, launched in October 2025, also arrived with higher prices than its predecessors. Likewise, Vivo and OPPO have made similar adjustments, reflecting a wider trend of increasing smartphone costs across the industry.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the Samsung Galaxy S26 series expected to be more expensive than the S25 lineup?
Answer. The price hike is driven by rising component costs, including a 12% increase in mobile AP prices and an 8% rise in camera module costs, along with high demand for memory chips used in AI servers.
Q2. Which models are expected in the Galaxy S26 series?
Answer. Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, all likely priced higher than their Galaxy S25 counterparts.
Q3. Is the smartphone industry seeing a broader trend of rising prices?
Answer. Yes, brands like Apple, Redmi, Vivo, and OPPO have also increased prices in 2025, reflecting a wider industry shift due to component cost inflation and market pressures.