Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra Price Gamble Pays Off Early

InnovationConsumer TechSamsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra Price Gamble Pays Off EarlyByJanhoi McGregor,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Janhoi McGregor (jan-eye) is a reporter who covers technology news.Follow AuthorMay 19, 2026, 10:09am EDTMay 19, 2026, 10:10am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Samsung’s choice not to raise the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to have paid off with improved sales, according to new research. That strategy was made possible by watering down its pre-order deal, weaker discounts and higher prices for other phones to offset the effects of surging memory prices. It worked, but how long for?Read on for more and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for instant deal updates and the latest Galaxy S26 Ultra news.Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra Price GambleSamsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra price gamble hasn't impacted its sales negatively. (Photo by Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSamsung kept the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra at 1,299.99 when it launched, the same as the Galaxy S25 Ultra the year before. Instead, the Korean company raised the price of the base and Plus Galaxy S26 models. It later hiked the cost of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy A-series. But the Galaxy S26 Ultra has resolutely stayed at the same price and received a few discounts, although the latest one doesn't match an equivalent Galaxy S25 Ultra deal from last year.MORE FOR YOUThat strategy of protecting its jewel in the crown has paid off. New data from Counterpoint Research shows the Galaxy S26 series recorded 13% higher cumulative sales in its first six weeks after launch compared with the Galaxy S25 at the same point last year. Samsung's overall smartphone sales also rose 5% year-on-year during the same period.The Galaxy S26 Ultra specifically drove the outperformance. Counterpo...