Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Date Announced
Samsung has confirmed the launch date for its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series. The event will take place on February 25, 2026, at 7 PM Central European Time. This equates to 10 AM PT and 1 PM ET. During this event, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Date and Sale Information
The Galaxy S26 series is set to go on sale in Europe on March 11, 2026. This launch date fits within Samsung’s typical timeline of 14 to 16 days between the announcement and sales start. It is noteworthy that March 11 falls on a Wednesday, diverging from Samsung’s usual practice of releasing devices on Fridays. However, it is anticipated that this same date will apply for global availability, including in the U.S.
Potential Price Increases for the Galaxy S26 Series
Samsung executives have hinted that price increases for the Galaxy S26 series are likely. Factors contributing to this include a global memory shortage impacting production costs. TM Roh, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, acknowledged during CES 2026 that the price surge is “inevitable.”
Reports from ET News indicate that the price increase may range from 44,000 won (approx. $31) to 88,000 won (approx. $62) per model. Consequently, the estimated prices for the Galaxy S26 series in the U.S. could be:
- Galaxy S26: approximately $859
- Galaxy S26 Plus: approximately $1,059
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: approximately $1,359
Impact on Promotions and Trade-In Deals
The rising costs may affect Samsung’s ability to offer aggressive promotions, especially those related to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Traditionally, Samsung has provided significant discounts during sales events. However, with memory prices soaring, the company might also reduce its signature double-storage deals offered during the pre-order period, which allowed for storage upgrades at no additional charge.
The Galaxy S26 Plus Will Replace the Galaxy S26 Edge
In addition to the pricing issues, Samsung has officially canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge. The Galaxy S26 Plus will be the model’s replacement, as confirmed by The Elec. This decision came after disappointing sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air, allowing Samsung to streamline its offerings. The Galaxy S26 Plus is expected to feature a 6.66-inch display, maintaining similarities with the previous generation.
Specifications and Features
The Galaxy S26 will feature a slightly larger screen size, increasing from 6.2 inches to 6.27 inches. Samsung aims to ensure that the new devices meet the expectations of their consumers despite the challenges posed by the memory shortage.
As anticipation builds for the Galaxy S26 series, consumers will be keenly watching for updates regarding pricing and sales strategies. The unique challenges presented this year could shape the approach Samsung takes in marketing its flagship smartphones.
