Fresh leaks show that Samsung plans to increase the entry price of its upcoming Galaxy S26 series because the company will introduce different storage options. The Galaxy S26 launch date and its AI-based capabilities have become easier to predict, but the company has not yet determined the final product price, and recent updates indicate that customers will face higher costs.

A Finnish retailer accidentally published a listing which SuomiMobiili discovered, showing that Samsung plans to eliminate the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus base storage option of 128GB. The listing shows only 256GB and higher storage options, marking a potential first for Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S lineup.

The confirmation would establish 256GB as the new entry-level storage configuration which replaces the 128GB model that used to be sold at a lower price. Until now, lower storage variants have helped Samsung advertise a more attractive “starting at” price, even if many users later upgraded.

Why This Matters

According to industry analysts rising costs of RAM and other components drive the current market transition. Samsung has previously acknowledged that it is reassessing product pricing in 2026 due to increasing manufacturing expenses. Removing the 128GB option allows the company to raise the base price indirectly, while still offering customers more storage as justification.

The move could also signal the end of Samsung’s popular double storage pre-order offer which upgraded buyers from 128GB to 256GB at no extra cost. Samsung will eliminate this promotion when 256GB becomes the standard because it will help the company cut marketing expenses while increasing profit margins.

Strategic Pricing Shift

The decision to eliminate the least expensive option appears illogical but analysts believe the 128GB flagship model will become unprofitable because of increased production expenses. By standardising higher storage, Samsung ensures every Galaxy S26 buyer enters at a more profitable price point.

Though Samsung has yet to officially confirm pricing or storage details, the absence of a 128GB model could be a strong indicator that the Galaxy S26 series will debut at a higher starting price than its predecessor — packaged as a premium upgrade rather than a price hike.