Last updated: October 2, 2026
The quick answer
Samsung has raised US prices for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra by $100, and by $200 for the 1TB S26 Ultra, pointing to the global memory chip shortage. The base Galaxy S26 now starts at $999.99 on Samsung’s US store. If you were planning to buy, compare retailers first: some were still showing the old prices when the increase was reported.
What happened
On October 1, 2026, Samsung’s US online store began listing higher prices for its current flagship phones. Android Authority and Android Central both confirmed the new figures, and gHacks reported the same changes a day later. Samsung did not publish a statement explaining the move in the coverage we reviewed, but reports link it to the shortage of DRAM and NAND memory, which has been pushing component costs up across the industry.
It is the second price step for this generation. The Galaxy S26 series had already launched at $100 more than the previous year’s models. Android Authority also reports similar increases in South Korea, and Android Central notes that Best Buy quickly matched Samsung’s new pricing.
Old vs. new Galaxy S26 prices in the US
| Model (storage) | Previous price | New price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 (256GB) | $899.99 | $999.99 | +$100 |
| Galaxy S26 Plus (256GB) | $1,099.99 | $1,199.99 | +$100 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) | $1,299.99 | $1,399.99 | +$100 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB) | $1,799.99 | $1,999.99 | +$200 |
Android Central reports that the 512GB versions of each model went up by the same $100.
What changes for you
If you buy directly from Samsung or Best Buy today, you’ll pay more than you would have a week ago. The entry-level Galaxy S26 crossing the $999 line puts it in the same price band many people associate with “Pro” or “Ultra” phones.
The memory shortage is not a Samsung-only problem. Apple has also raised iPhone prices this year, and memory maker Micron has said it expects tight supply to continue for some time. That suggests discounts on new flagship phones may be smaller than usual in the coming months, although nobody can predict exact prices.
If you already own a Galaxy S26, nothing changes. If you own a Galaxy S25, you are getting the new One UI 9 software anyway, which reduces the pressure to upgrade. See what’s new in One UI 9 for the Galaxy S25 and foldables.
Keep in mind that the list price is only part of what a phone costs you. Cases, chargers, device protection plans and any monthly installment terms add up, so it helps to set a total budget before you compare models and storage sizes.
What to do if you’re shopping for a Galaxy S26
- Compare retailers. When the increase was reported, Amazon, Target and Walmart listings had not all updated yet. Check the actual checkout price, not a cached search result.
- Look at carrier deals and trade-ins. Trade-in credit and carrier promotions can matter more than the list price. Read the contract terms carefully.
- Pick the storage you need. The 1TB Ultra saw the biggest jump. If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB may be enough.
- Consider last year’s model. A Galaxy S25 running One UI 9 may cover your needs. Check its current price before deciding.
- Don’t rush. If your current phone works and still gets security updates, waiting costs you nothing.
Who it affects and who it doesn’t
- Affected: US buyers of a new Galaxy S26, S26 Plus or S26 Ultra from Samsung and retailers that follow its pricing. Buyers in South Korea also face higher prices.
- Not affected: people who already own an S26, and anyone not buying a new phone right now.
- Unclear: other regions. Samsung has not announced a global price change, so check your local store.
FAQ
Why did Samsung raise Galaxy S26 prices?
Reports tie the increase to a global shortage of memory chips, which analysts link in part to AI demand and which has made phone components more expensive.
How much does the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost now?
On Samsung’s US store, the S26 Ultra now starts at $1,399.99 for 256GB, and the 1TB version costs $1,999.99.
Will prices go back down?
Samsung hasn’t said. Retail sales and carrier promotions can still lower what you pay, but the official list price is now higher.
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