Galaxy S26 Ultra Prices Were Disappointing: Until Samsung’s $250 Gift

InnovationConsumer TechGalaxy S26 Ultra Prices Were Disappointing: Until Samsung’s $250 GiftByJanhoi McGregor,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Janhoi McGregor (jan-eye) is a reporter who covers technology news.Follow AuthorJun 11, 2026, 03:45pm EDTJun 11, 2026, 03:47pm EDTIf you're a regular reader you may recall that one of Samsung's recent Galaxy S26 Ultra promotions, which knocked $200 off the device, didn't match up to an equivalent deal at the same time a year before.We expected this to happen. Profits are squeezed because of the RAM crisis and Samsung has responded with price increases and weaker deals. Except a couple of recent promotions show that the Korean company is fighting to stay competitive on Galaxy S26 Ultra pricing. The latest one, a free pair of £219 ($249.99 in the U.S.) Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, is one of its best offers yet and hints at the company's pricing strategy for the rest of the year.Samsung Brings Back A Serious Freebie For Galaxy S26 Ultra BuyersThe Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra now comes with a free pair of Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. (Photo by Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSamsung is giving away a free pair of Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with every Galaxy S26 Ultra purchase in the U.K. if the code "S26UP" is used at checkout (spotted by SamMobile). I tried it and it works, but I'm not sure how long it will last for.MORE FOR YOUThat freebie is stacked with a straight £100 off ($134) and a further £200 ($268) prepaid Mastercard that’s loaded on to your Samsung Wallet. Altogether that deal is worth £519 ($696) and represents one of Samsung's more serious promotions so far for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.It's not uncommon for Samsung to give away free hardware with its flagship phones in the U.K. At least it wasn't. But as the RAM crisis has taken hold, I've seen fewer (if any) free laptops, tablets, watches and earbuds, until now. Cl...