Samsung Raises Galaxy S26 Prices Amid Memory Chip Surge
In response to a record surge in global memory chip prices, Samsung Electronics has increased the prices of its new flagship smartphones. The company has raised the prices of certain models in the Galaxy S26 series in the United States and South Korea. The new series was unveiled last Wednesday (February 25) in San Francisco, United States, according to a report by Engadget.
Samsung Electronics announced that in the United States market, the base model of the Galaxy S26 has been priced at $899, which is 4.7 percent higher than the previous model. The S26 Plus is priced at $1,099, representing a 10 percent increase. However, the price of the Ultra model remains unchanged. In South Korea, the price of the base model has been increased by 8.6 percent.
The new smartphone series incorporates Perplexity’s artificial intelligence features, Google’s Gemini, and an upgraded version of Bixby. After losing the top position in the global smartphone market to Apple Inc. last year, Samsung has taken this step in an effort to regain market share.
Samsung stated that some models of the Galaxy S26 are powered by its in-house developed Exynos processors, whereas previous models used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips. Analysts believe this move could boost Samsung’s chip design business and improve mobile margins.
The company also announced that the S26 Ultra model features a built-in mobile privacy display for the first time, limiting side viewing angles. The Galaxy S26 series will go on sale in various global markets starting March 11.
According to data from U.S.-based market research firm TrendForce, contract prices for conventional DRAM chips in the first quarter of this year have increased by 90 to 95 percent compared to the final quarter of 2025. Companies such as Meta Platforms, Google, and Microsoft are purchasing large volumes of memory chips to build artificial intelligence infrastructure, creating supply shortages.
Last month, Samsung warned that the chip shortage would intensify due to the artificial intelligence boom. While higher memory chip prices have benefited Samsung’s core chip business, they have placed pressure on margins in its smartphone and display units.
In January, Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in an earnings report that memory chip prices were expected to rise sharply. However, he declined to comment on whether Apple would increase its product prices in response.
DBTech/BMT/OR
