Galaxy S26: Price Hike & Upgrade Rumors | Samsung News

Samsung Galaxy S26: Price Hike Imminent as 128GB Model Faces Axing

A leaked retailer listing suggests samsung is poised to eliminate the 128GB storage option for its upcoming Galaxy S26 series, signaling a likely price increase for the flagship smartphones.

Samsung is navigating a challenging market landscape as it prepares to launch the Galaxy S26 series.While the arrival timeframe and new AI features are becoming clearer, the final price point remains a key question. The company is reportedly grappling with rising RAM costs and seeking strategies to avoid deterring customers with important price increases.

The End of the 128GB Option?

A recently discovered listing on a Finnish retailerS website, spotted by tech site SuomiMobiili, has fueled speculation about Samsung’s pricing strategy. The listing details model numbers, colors, and storage capacities for the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, but notably omits any mention of a 128GB storage option – a staple of previous Galaxy S series releases.

If accurate, this would mark the first time Samsung positions 256GB as the base storage level for its Galaxy S line.”The point of a low-storage device is to make it more financially accessible, but it also helps with marketing as Samsung can promote the device price as ‘starting at’ a lower price point,” one analyst noted.

Did you know? – samsung has historically used the 128GB model as an entry-level option to attract budget-conscious consumers, often promoting the “starting at” price based on this configuration.

A strategic Move to Offset Rising Costs

The potential removal of the 128GB model isn’t simply about storage; it’s a calculated move to address the current economic pressures. The ongoing surge in RAM prices has forced smartphone manufacturers to explore ways to increase revenue without alienating consumers.

Samsung has openly discussed “repricing” its products in 2026, a sentiment described by some as a “soft-launching” of higher prices. Previous reports from iNews24 and Maeil Business suggested potential cost-cutting measures,such as reduced marketing spend or increased pricing on the Galaxy A-series,to maintain flat pricing for the S26.

Though, eliminating the 128GB option presents a direct opportunity to raise the entry-level price. A 256GB model inherently commands a higher price tag, allowing Samsung to justify an increase while concurrently framing it as offering customers “more for their money.”

Pro tip – Rising RAM costs are impacting the entire smartphone industry. Manufacturers are seeking ways to offset these expenses, and adjusting storage options is a common strategy.

Beyond Price: Eliminating Perks and Boosting margins

The decision to ditch the 128GB model may also be driven by financial considerations beyond simply raising the base price. According to sources,the margins on the cheaper 128GB variant might potentially be too thin given current component costs.

Furthermore, this move allows Samsung to discontinue its popular “double storage” perk – the practice of offering a free upgrade from 128GB to 256GB. By starting at 256GB and removing the free upgrade to 512GB, Samsung effectively eliminates a significant marketing cost and ensures all buyers begin at a more profitable price point.

The potential death of the 128GB storage option, therefore, appears to be a significant indicator of Samsung’s broader pricing strategy for the Galaxy S26 series.

Reader question – Do you think consumers will accept a higher base price for the Galaxy S26 if it comes standard with 256GB of storage? Share your thoughts!