Exclusive Reveal: Samsung Galaxy S26 Spotted Early at $1,650

Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is still more than a week away. The corporation has only hinted at impending wearables and smartphones so far.

 But according to recent sources, Samsung has two Galaxy Buds 4 series earbuds in addition to three Galaxy S26 smartphones available.

The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra will not be publicly announced by Samsung until February 25.

However, one item has already been observed being sold online. The item was supposedly advertised on Craigslist under the name Galaxy S26 Ultra.

We have not been able to validate rumors that the device was being offered for $1,650, even if the photographs that were posted on X look to be legitimate. To the best of our knowledge, the device is neither a retail edition nor a Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Rather, it appears that someone was attempting to sell a test unit of the Galaxy S26 Plus. However, current sources say that the hue displayed will be sold as “Black” at retail locations.

This finish looks to be more gray than the Blueback variant of the Galaxy S25 Plus and more akin to the Galaxy S25 Edge. For a full evaluation of the extra launch colors for the Galaxy S26 Plus, please refer to our earlier piece.

Samsung has now verified the early predictions that the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s pricing is drastically different from that of past years.

It appears that the global memory chip shortage, which is pushing up prices for smartphone makers, has influenced Samsung’s 2026 smartphone pricing, as demonstrated by pre-order discounts, trade-in rates, and freebies.

The pre-order deal for Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 Ultra has changed.

Prior to the official presentation of the new flagship Galaxy mobile, Samsung generally provides $50 in store credit to individuals who express their interest.

For the most enthusiastic Galaxy customers, it’s a delightful little bonus, since that’s frequently the cost of an authorized case. The store credit offer for the Galaxy S26 Ultra has been lowered to $30 this year.

It’s probable that Samsung has also cut the cost of its cases. That seems improbable, however, unless they have been modified to support magnetic charging.

Rather, this shows that Samsung is responding to the global shortage of memory chips, which has raised expenditures and prompted other hardware companies to either hike prices or make other concessions to retain a healthy profit margin. Go here to learn more about it.

Not only that, but Samsung’s reservation site is also providing a $5,000 shop credit lottery in addition to $900 in “additional savings.”

There has been no change in the raffle price. However, compared to the huge $1,250 offer Samsung provided during the equivalent pre-launch promotion for the Galaxy S25 last year, the “additional savings” offer is far less.

That Galaxy S25 deal offered a free storage increase in addition to $900 in trade-in values, so, for instance, you could acquire the 512GB gadget for the price of the 256GB one.

This appears to be a strong indicator that the double storage arrangement is concluded, given prior sources had claimed that Samsung would cancel this free storage offer for the Galaxy S26 Ultra owing to the rapidly rising cost of flash memory.

At the current moment, Samsung’s reservation website claims that the maximum trade-in price is the only reduction that is offered when buying the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Customers who acquire the Galaxy S26 Ultra might receive some gifts, including a complimentary pair of Galaxy Buds, as the Korean corporation did the previous year. or, most likely, accessories that are substantially cheaper when bought with the Galaxy S26.

Trade-In Prices for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Unresolved Issues

The amount Samsung will pay for old phones via its trade-in program is unclear. In order to compensate for a more pricey Galaxy S26, will the corporation boost trade-in prices? Or will it continue to be austere and make cutbacks here as well?

The latest versions of Apple and Samsung phones will cost that $900. Don’t be startled if trade-in prices decrease beginning with the Galaxy S24.

Handing up a product that is four generations old has traditionally been the sweet spot for trading in your Samsung phone.

Samsung paid $500 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which was then available for $250 on the secondary market soon after the Galaxy S25 was launched.

Samsung also priced the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra at $600. I doubt it will have the same impact on this year’s Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Purchasing a reconditioned Galaxy S26 Ultra can be the greatest option to save money.

Waiting might be a better alternative if you want to acquire the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the lowest feasible price. It’s irritating, I know.

However, in this new, unpredictable, high-priced hardware environment, we can surely bet on the swift depreciation of smartphone value.

The same cost

Samsung’s daring choice Samsung Electronics has taken the decision to keep the cost of its top smartphone range, the “Galaxy S26” series, when it debuts in March of this year.

On January 1, 2026, the industry had previously expected a price.

Although having to wait another month or two for the Galaxy S26 series is disappointing, Maeil Business in South Korea offers some positive news concerning pricing (this time from credible industry source @jukan05).

The Galaxy S26’s cost will not vary in order to retain its competitiveness, according to the top report. Due to pressures from tariffs, manufacturing costs, and currency fluctuations, prior reviews have suggested price hikes.

The three new phones will cost $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 (normal), $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 (Plus), and $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,149 (Ultra) if prices are established. These prices are equivalent to those of the phones that were announced in 2025.

Furthermore, according to the report, Samsung’s foldables later this year may also see similar cost stability between 2025 and 2026, as successors to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are predicted.

Read more.

1. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Exciting Features and Smart Selfie Camera Insights