The market debut of the Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphones brought unexpectedly high price discounts, reaching up to 255 euros right after launch. The manufacturer is betting on proactive artificial intelligence features and a new generation of Galaxy Buds 4 accessories, attempting to counter criticism about the lack of revolutionary hardware changes. Simultaneously, US carriers are offering flagship models almost for free, intensifying competition with the upcoming Xiaomi 17 series and Samsung's own cheaper predecessors.
Sharp Launch Discounts
Prices of the new models dropped by nearly 255 euros in major online stores immediately after the official market debut.
Galaxy AI Debut
Introduction of a proactive artificial intelligence system designed to predict user needs and automate daily tasks.
New Buds 4 Accessories
Launch of Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro headphones with improved sound quality and active noise cancellation technology.
The launch of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 series is taking place in an atmosphere of intense competition for customers, manifested by unusually large discounts in the first days of sales. Retailers such as Amazon and PcComponentes have introduced price cuts on models with 512 GB storage, reducing the price by amounts ranging from 200 to 255 euros. This strategy appears to be a response to the lukewarm reception from some reviewers, who assess the new generation as evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Experts point to minimal design differences compared to the S25 and S24 models, making older flagships an attractive alternative for budget-conscious users. The manufacturer defends its decision to omit a magnetic ring in the chassis, arguing it fulfills other functional promises, although for many users it is a step backward in the accessory ecosystem. The key differentiator of the new series is expected to be proactive AI, offering real-time assistance and better system optimization. Samsung has also introduced improvements in video stabilization and showcased a new display technology that increases privacy from side angles. Concurrently, ANC headphones from the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro line have debuted on the market. According to available data, the Pro version offers a significantly wider sound frequency range and intelligent adaptive modes. In the United States, carriers such as T-Mobile and Verizon have launched an aggressive campaign, offering the Galaxy S26 Ultra without requiring a trade-in of an old device, aiming to maximize market share ahead of the launch of competition from China. Since 2010, when Samsung presented the first Galaxy S model, the brand has evolved from copying Apple's solutions to becoming a global leader in innovation in mobile displays and computational photography. Despite the launch of this year's models, information is already leaking about next year's S Pen, which is set to receive new sensory features in the S27 series. Currently, however, attention is focused on the mid-range segment, where the Galaxy A57 and A37 models are slated to receive batteries with increased energy density. Samsung has also confirmed its intention to develop new types of batteries aimed at solving cell degradation issues during fast charging. Competition with the Xiaomi 17, which offers higher wired charging power, is forcing the Korean giant to accelerate the implementation of its own solutions in energy management. „Our new proactive AI isn't just a tool; it's a partner that learns from your lifestyle to make every interaction more natural and efficient.” — Samsung Representative