Memory Shortage Pushed Samsung to Raise S26 Series Prices

Samsung has implemented price increases across the majority of its flagship Galaxy S26 lineup in response to a global memory shortage that has elevated component expenditures. Prices for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and the flagship S26 Ultra have each risen by $100, resulting in starting prices of $1,000, $1,200, and $1,400, respectively. The premium 1TB S26 Ultra is now priced at $2,000, representing a $200 increase.

Heightened demand for high-bandwidth memory utilized in AI infrastructure and data centers has constrained supplies of DRAM and mobile memory chips over the past year. This trend has increased the bill of materials for smartphones, personal computers, and gaming consoles. Similarly, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series is more expensive than its predecessors, and the company recently raised prices for older models. Google’s Pixel 11 devices have also seen price increases.

The price of Samsung’s entry-level Galaxy S26 FE remains at the $700 mark established at its August launch, though this figure is $50 higher than the comparable previous model. Samsung has maintained current pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8. Consequently, the Z Fold 8 is positioned at a lower price point than the $1,999 anticipated for Apple’s iPhone Duo, which is slated for release on October 23.