Samsung prepares another price hike: flagship phones face €200 surge
The tech world is bracing for another round of sticker shock. Samsung, already notorious for squeezing every last euro out of its customers, is reportedly planning a significant price increase across its flagship smartphone lineup – a move some analysts are dubbing the ‘RAMpocalypse 2.0’.
A wave of increases could hit galaxy s26 series and fold devices
Rumors circulating from Greek tech outlet Techmaniacs suggest a potential €200 hike for devices like the Galaxy S26 series, the recently released Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, and even the more affordable ‘FE’ models. This isn’t a first for Samsung; they’ve already bumped up prices on foldables and tablets in the US.
The core driver? Ongoing shortages in memory supply, a bottleneck that’s impacting device manufacturing globally. Analysts predict the trend is far from over, with potential increases looming for upcoming phones like the Google Pixel 11 series and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. It’s a particularly concerning development considering this hike targets already sold devices – a rare occurrence in the industry.
What’s at stake?
We’re talking about a potential €100 minimum increase across the board for flagship Samsung phones, with higher storage configurations facing even steeper jumps. While the impact on international markets remains uncertain, the initial reports point to a substantial price increase – roughly $116 – for base models. This isn’t just about profit margins; it’s about a fundamental shift in consumer expectations.
The situation echoes broader trends across the tech sector, with gaming consoles and laptops also facing inflated costs. While Samsung isn’t alone in this strategy – other companies are likely to follow suit – the scale of the proposed increase for Samsung's key devices raises serious questions. The Galaxy S26 series, for instance, arrived with higher prices than its predecessor, and the base S26 Ultra model was the sole exception. Would you pay more for a phone you’ve already purchased?
A stark reality
It’s a grim picture, and frankly, a frustrating one. The AI craze, for all its hype, isn't delivering a respite from rising costs. While some might argue that these price increases are justified by market forces, the timing – hitting existing devices – feels particularly punitive. I’d almost welcome a feature downgrade if it meant a price correction. Let’s be honest, the allure of bleeding-edge tech is fading fast when it comes with a hefty premium.