Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra price leak reveals global pricing ahead of launch. Check US price, India cost, pre-order deals and trade-in details.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra price leak reveals global pricing ahead of launch [Photo: X]
With just days to go before Samsung’s next flagship unveiling, a major price leak has given buyers an early look at what they may have to pay for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The device is expected to launch on February 25, and fresh details circulating online suggest that Samsung may keep US pricing steady while adjusting rates in other global markets.
Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra on February 25, 2026. The company has already opened early reservation registrations in several markets, signalling that the launch event is just days away.
Pre-orders are likely to begin shortly after the announcement, with retail availability expected in early March, based on Samsung’s traditional release pattern.
According to the leak, here are the expected starting prices for the 256GB model:
If accurate, the US price remains unchanged from the previous generation, which could come as relief to American consumers. However, some European and Asian markets may see slight increases.
In the United States, Samsung appears to have maintained the same $1,199 starting price seen with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Analysts suggest Samsung may be absorbing higher production costs to stay competitive in the US premium smartphone market.
In Europe and parts of Asia, modest price adjustments could reflect rising manufacturing expenses and component costs. Industry watchers have linked these increases to ongoing memory chip supply constraints that continue to impact smartphone makers globally.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra reportedly introduces upgraded Galaxy AI features, camera enhancements, and a titanium frame, along with the return of the S Pen. These upgrades may justify price revisions in certain regions.
Samsung traditionally offers early reservation incentives before a flagship launch. In previous years, customers who registered early received $50 in store credit. This year, reports indicate that the credit has dropped to $30.
The company’s reservation page currently advertises up to $900 in additional savings and entry into a $5,000 store credit raffle. However, the “additional savings” appear smaller compared to last year’s $1,250 promotional package for the Galaxy S25.
Last year’s deal combined a $900 trade-in value with a free storage upgrade, allowing customers to purchase the 512GB model at the 256GB price. Current leaks suggest Samsung may discontinue the free storage upgrade for the S26 Ultra due to rising flash memory costs.
As of now, Samsung mainly highlights trade-in discounts as the primary savings opportunity.
Trade-in values remain one of the biggest unknowns. Samsung previously offered up to $900 for recent flagship devices from Samsung and Apple. Whether the company will maintain those high trade-in rates remains unclear.
Historically, Samsung offered strong buyback prices for older devices. For example, when the Galaxy S25 launched, Samsung reportedly paid $500 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, even when resale market values were much lower.
Industry observers are watching closely to see whether Samsung will maintain generous trade-in offers or scale them back amid rising component costs.
If you want to save money, waiting could be a smart strategy. Data from smartphone resale tracking platforms shows that Galaxy flagship models typically lose nearly half their value within 6 to 12 months.
Recent data indicates:
While retail prices do not drop by 50% immediately, trade-in and resale values reflect rapid depreciation. Refurbished models often cost 20% to 30% more than trade-in values but still offer significant savings compared to brand-new devices.
For buyers concerned about rising launch prices or reduced promotional benefits, purchasing a refurbished Galaxy S26 Ultra later this year may offer better value.
If the leak proves accurate, Samsung has balanced price stability in the US with slight global adjustments. The key question now revolves around trade-in values and final launch promotions.
Consumers should watch for official confirmation at the February 25 launch event before making a purchase decision.
