One good thing, from a consumer point of view, Apple did this year was to keep the iPhone 17 series" prices similar to last year. In fact, the company brought onboard incremental upgrades and also started base storage from 256GB for the same $799 price tag for the standard iPhone 17 model in the USA. It appears that Samsung has taken some cues from Apple (yet again!) and that"s good news for Galaxy fans.
According to a fresh report from South Korean publication Newspim, the base model of the Samsung Galaxy S26 could cost $799, similar to this year"s Galaxy S25 base model. Earlier reports suggested that Samsung would finally increase the prices of the Galaxy S26 series.
But the latest report claims otherwise. It adds that since Apple did not raise iPhone 17"s prices this year, to stay competitive, Samsung is also expected to freeze the prices of its next year"s flagships, at least for the base model.
The entry-level iPhone 17 has been a huge cash cow for Apple. The meaningful upgrades and double the storage for the same price as last year"s model, seem to have done the trick. Samsung purportedly aims to follow the same strategy and bask in some success.
Samsung was reportedly planning some upgrades for the base Galaxy S26, such as trimming down the thickness of the phone to 6.9mm, 0.3mm less than the Galaxy S25. Additionally, the company wanted to introduce, a 4900 mAh battery. But as per a recent report and the one from Newspim, the Galaxy S25 will only get a boost of 300 mAh, while its elder sibling, the Galaxy S26+ will be getting the 4900 mAh battery.
A Samsung Electronics official, said, "It"s unusual for this level of adjustment to occur when the design is almost complete." Furthermore, an official said that, "It will be difficult for Samsung Electronics to release a basic model that is more expensive than the iPhone. If the price barrier to entry is too high compared to competitors, it will become an environment where it is not easy to win consumers" choice."
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to gain some upgrades, such as upgraded camera sensors, fastest wired and wireless charging, a camera island similar to that of the Galaxy Z Fold7, etc.
For now, take this information with a pinch of salt. Let us know in the comments below, based on the features that have unfurled, you still find the Galaxy S26 a compelling buy at $799.