Samsung did not freeze prices across its 2026 Galaxy lineup. In the U.S., the Galaxy S26 and S26+ each cost $100 more than their predecessors’ starting prices, the Galaxy S26 Ultra stayed at $1,299.99, the Galaxy Z Fold8 starts $100 lower than Fold7, and the Galaxy Z Flip8 costs $100 more than Flip7.
The figures below are Samsung U.S. starting prices before sales tax, trade-in credits, carrier incentives, financing costs or temporary discounts. Samsung unveiled the S26 series on February 25, 2026, and the Fold8, Flip8 and separate Fold8 Ultra on July 22, 2026.
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The U.S. price comparison
“Last year’s prices” can mean launch MSRP, today’s Samsung.com price, a particular storage tier, or a carrier’s subsidized monthly payment. To make the comparison consistent, this table uses U.S. unlocked starting prices for the base configuration shown in Samsung’s listings.
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| Phone | 2025 predecessor starting price | 2026 U.S. starting price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 | $799.99 (Galaxy S25) | $899.99 | +$100 |
| Galaxy S26+ | $999.99 (Galaxy S25+) | $1,099.99 | +$100 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | $1,299.99 (Galaxy S25 Ultra) | $1,299.99 | No change |
| Galaxy Z Fold8 | $1,999.99 (Galaxy Z Fold7) | $1,899.99 | -$100 |
| Galaxy Z Flip8 | $1,099.99 (Galaxy Z Flip7) | $1,199.99 | +$100 |
Samsung’s current U.S. business listing is the source for the S26, S26+, S26 Ultra and Fold8 figures: Samsung U.S. mobile pricing. Samsung’s Flip8 offer page lists its $1,199.99 starting price: Galaxy Z Flip8 offers.
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Galaxy S26: only the Ultra kept its old starting MSRP
Galaxy S26
The base S26 starts at $899.99, up from the Galaxy S25’s $799.99 U.S. starting price. That is a 12.5% increase at the entry level, before any discount or trade-in.
Galaxy S26+
The S26+ starts at $1,099.99, compared with $999.99 for the S25+. It therefore also rose by $100.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The S26 Ultra starts at $1,299.99, matching the S25 Ultra. This is the only S26 model for which “no price hike” is accurate in the U.S.; it does not make the entire S26 series price-stable.
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Before launch, reports discussed possible increases in South Korea and the possibility that Samsung would protect U.S. pricing. That was pre-launch reporting, not a final promise. Regional prices can differ because of taxes, currency movements, local costs, storage options and promotions. Android Authority’s earlier report illustrates why those expectations should not be generalized: pre-launch Galaxy S26 pricing coverage.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Fold8 got cheaper at entry level; Flip8 did not
Galaxy Z Fold8
The standard Fold8 starts at $1,899.99, $100 below the Fold7’s $1,999.99 starting price. That is a lower starting MSRP, not proof that every storage tier costs less.
A pre-launch Tom’s Guide report, based on a leaker, predicted $1,999 for 12GB/256GB, $2,199 for 12GB/512GB and $2,499 for 16GB/1TB. Those figures were not official and preceded Samsung’s published U.S. starting price, so they should not be used as the final price table: Tom’s Guide Fold8 price leak.
The Fold8 Ultra is a separate product. Its pricing and specifications should not be inferred from the standard Fold8.
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Galaxy Z Flip8
The Flip8 starts at $1,199.99, up from the Flip7’s $1,099.99. The clamshell family therefore moved in the opposite direction from the Fold family.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Why MSRP is not the same as checkout cost
Samsung’s advertised maximum credits can substantially reduce the amount a qualifying customer pays, but they are conditional and temporary rather than permanent price cuts. Samsung’s offers page has listed:
- Up to $1,200 instant trade-in credit for Fold8.
- Up to $600 for Flip8.
- Up to $720 for S26 Ultra, $440 for S26+ and $340 for S26.
Those are maximum promotional amounts. The actual value depends on the traded device, condition, model verification, inventory and offer terms. Samsung’s U.S. offers page has also listed Samsung credit, storage upgrades, accessory bundles and limited-time discounts. Some S26 and S26+ discounts were scheduled through August 16, 2026, while Fold8 and Flip8 preorder-credit windows ran July 22 through August 7, 2026. Check current terms at Samsung’s phone offers page; promotions can change or expire.
Trade-ins and carrier credits
A damaged, locked, financed or inaccurately described trade-in can receive less credit or be rejected. Carrier offers may advertise a lower monthly payment through 24- or 36-month bill credits, but often require a qualifying plan, new line, port-in and continued service. Leaving early can forfeit remaining credits. Samsung direct generally gives more flexibility for an unlocked purchase and an immediate trade-in discount.
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Monthly figures, such as the $50.00-per-month signal shown on the Flip8 offer page, do not replace the full price. Review the term, APR, credit approval and total payments at Samsung Financing. Accessory or Samsung-credit bundles are only valuable if you would otherwise buy the included products, and promotional credit may be restricted to eligible items rather than applied directly to the phone.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
How to choose based on the price change
Choose the S26 or S26+
These are conventional flagship phones for buyers who prefer a rigid design, Samsung’s newest software and features, and lower durability or repair concerns than a foldable. A trade-in or carrier promotion may offset the $100 increase.
Choose the S26 Ultra
The Ultra is the straightforward choice for buyers who want Samsung’s top camera, display and productivity hardware and value an unchanged $1,299.99 starting MSRP. It is also a large, expensive phone, so the flat price does not make it inexpensive.
Choose the Fold8
Fold8 suits readers who prioritize a large internal screen for multitasking, documents, reading or video. Its $1,899.99 entry price is lower than Fold7’s, but storage upgrades, insurance and repairs can materially increase ownership cost.
Choose the Flip8
Flip8 favors pocketability and a compact clamshell over tablet-like workspace. The trade-off is a $100 higher starting price than Flip7, partly offset only when a qualifying promotion applies.
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Consider Fold7, Flip7 or a refurbished phone
If the newest processor or features are not essential, compare the older model’s actual sale price with the value of its remaining software support. A larger discount on Fold7 or Flip7, or a certified-renewed device, can outweigh the benefits of buying the latest generation.
Check these costs before ordering
- Confirm the exact storage tier; “from” pricing does not describe higher capacities.
- Separate Samsung’s unlocked price from a carrier’s bill-credit total.
- Add sales tax, activation fees, financing charges and any required plan.
- Read trade-in condition rules and keep shipment or inspection records.
- For a foldable, compare Samsung Care+ and carrier insurance terms, deductibles, replacement conditions and exclusions at Samsung Care+.
- Do not convert another country’s price directly using exchange rates; local taxes and retail strategies differ.
Bottom line on the “no price hikes” claim
The blanket headline is misleading for U.S. buyers. Samsung raised the entry prices of the Galaxy S26 and S26+, held the S26 Ultra at $1,299.99, lowered the Fold8’s starting price by $100, and raised the Flip8 by $100. Whether any individual shopper pays less depends on storage, trade-in condition, carrier requirements and the promotion available at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Samsung’s 2026 prices the same worldwide?
No. The figures here are U.S. starting prices. Country-specific taxes, currencies, storage configurations, local promotions and carrier subsidies can produce different prices.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDoes the Fold8 cost less in every storage configuration?
Not established. Samsung’s published figure confirms a lower starting MSRP, while storage-tier pricing can differ.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
