SEOUL — Samsung Electronics opened pre-orders for its Galaxy S26 series on Saturday, confirming a US price increase of at least $100 across the lineup. The company attributed the adjustment to higher memory costs and import tariffs.

The base model now starts above $900, making the Galaxy S26 the most expensive standard flagship Samsung has launched in the US market. A Samsung mobile division spokesperson cited rising prices for DRAM and NAND flash memory alongside US trade measures as drivers of the increase across the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra variants.

The price rise widens the gap between Samsung and Apple in the premium Android segment, where Samsung has long competed partly on price. Counterpoint Research analysts have warned that memory price inflation through 2026 would push flagship smartphone costs higher across the industry, affecting Google and Chinese rivals including Vivo.

Consumers and technology reviewers responded with sharp criticism. Samsung offered expanded trade-in credits and storage upgrades to soften the impact, including a free storage tier upgrade on select models during the launch window.

The pricing move comes as rivals position competing hardware, including Vivo's globally launching X Fold 6, intensifying competition in the high-end market. Samsung confirmed general availability of the Galaxy S26 would follow later in October.