The Galaxy S26 Ultra is just weeks away from launch, and while much about this device remains under wraps, one thing is clear: this flagship phone will carry a premium price tag. Touted to be Samsung’s best offering in 2026 with top-tier performance, camera technology, battery life, and overall versatility, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to maintain its status as a high-end, non-foldable smartphone.
Will the Starting Price Stay at $1,299?
The predecessor, Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched at $1,299, which was $100 more expensive than Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, marking Samsung’s commitment to a premium pricing strategy. For 2026, Samsung is expected to price the Galaxy S26 Ultra between $1,299.99 and $1,399.99, with $1,299 being the most popular price guess based on community feedback.
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | $1,299.99–$1,399.99* |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | $1,299.99 |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | $1,299.99 |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | $1,199.99 |
* - Expected price range
Will Rising RAM Costs Push Prices Up?
One of the biggest factors potentially driving up the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s price is the recent surge in RAM prices. Some DRAM suppliers have increased prices by as much as 60%, with market conditions fluctuating like a “daily price” commodity. Internally, Samsung has experienced tensions between its Mobile Experience division and Semiconductor unit, leading to complications securing DRAM supply. Currently, a 12GB DRAM chip costs about $70, which is more than double earlier prices in 2024.
Could Samsung Hold the Line at $1,299?
On the other hand, some analysts and insiders believe Samsung might manage to keep the price stable at $1,299 despite market volatility. The Galaxy S26 Ultra's upgrades over the S25 Ultra appear to be incremental rather than groundbreaking, including a new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, privacy-enhanced display features, and slightly improved charging speeds. However, the battery capacity remains at 5,000 mAh, which is modest compared to competitors boasting 7,000+ mAh batteries, and the design is not expected to change significantly.
Price Hikes Are Still a Possibility
Leaks also suggest that while the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus might see notable price increases, the Ultra model could retain the $1,299 starting price. Nevertheless, the current market environment – including component shortages and inflationary pressures – means a price hike cannot be ruled out entirely.
