Samsung Electronics is increasingly likely to raise the factory-gate price of its flagship 'Galaxy S' model for the first time since launch. The three major telecom carriers are understood to have conveyed a plan to the distribution network to increase the price of the 'Galaxy S26' (hereinafter Galaxy S26) series by 149,600 won starting from next month. This is interpreted as being influenced by the sharp rise in memory prices and the resulting cost burden.
According to the mobile communications industry on the 14th, the three major telecom carriers recently informed distribution networks, including Hyu Daejeon sales stores, that the factory-gate price of the Galaxy S26 series will increase by 149,600 won (11.9%) starting October 1. Accordingly, the current Galaxy S26 256GB (gigabyte) priced at 1,254,000 won will become 1,403,600 won.
This marks the first time since launch that the factory-gate price of flagship Galaxy S models, including the base model, has increased. However, Samsung Electronics maintains that it has not yet decided whether to raise prices or by how much. A Samsung Electronics representative stated, "We are conducting an internal review. It has not yet been decided whether to raise prices or by how much." The three major telecom carriers also held back from commenting, asking the manufacturer to inquire about price adjustments directly.
Meanwhile, Apple has already raised the price of its 'iPhone 17' unlocked phones sold on its official website. The iPhone 17 256GB increased by 163,000 won (12.7%) from 1,287,000 won to 1.45 million won, and the 512GB model increased by 166,000 won (10.5%) from 1,584,000 won to 1.75 million won. With unlocked phone prices already rising, a price hike for iPhone 17 factory-gate prices through carriers is also just a matter of time. In fact, the three major telecom carriers have conveyed to distribution networks that the factory-gate price for iPhone 17 may also rise, but specific timing and magnitude remain undecided.
in TECH
