Samsung has announced it will raise the prices of some of its high-end smartphone models in its home market, South Korea.
The price increase particularly affects the foldable display models released last year, the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, and the thin S25 Edge.
According to Korean sources, the new prices will take effect from April 1, 2026, and primarily target versions with larger storage capacities: for 512-gigabyte models, the price increase is approximately 100,000 Korean won (about €60 / $65), and for 1-terabyte models, it is up to 200,000 won (about €120/$130).
Typically, smartphone prices gradually decrease after their market launch to maintain demand. However, the staggering rise in prices for memory chips and storage, which began last autumn, has quite irreversibly changed the market.
According to industry sources, the increase in component costs has reached a level where manufacturers simply cannot afford not to pass on some of the increase directly to consumer prices. Geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges, which have increased transportation and fuel costs, also contribute to this.
For now, the increases only apply to the South Korean market, and the company has not confirmed any potential changes in Europe or other regions. However, since the semiconductor and memory markets are global, similar developments cannot be ruled out elsewhere. If price increases expand, consumers' purchasing decisions may become even more difficult, especially during economically challenging times.
Due to the rise in memory chip prices, other electronics have also become more expensive recently: the prices of the years-old Playstation 5 gaming console will rise globally in April.
According to Korean sources, the new prices will take effect from April 1, 2026, and primarily target versions with larger storage capacities: for 512-gigabyte models, the price increase is approximately 100,000 Korean won (about €60 / $65), and for 1-terabyte models, it is up to 200,000 won (about €120/$130).
Typically, smartphone prices gradually decrease after their market launch to maintain demand. However, the staggering rise in prices for memory chips and storage, which began last autumn, has quite irreversibly changed the market.
According to industry sources, the increase in component costs has reached a level where manufacturers simply cannot afford not to pass on some of the increase directly to consumer prices. Geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges, which have increased transportation and fuel costs, also contribute to this.
For now, the increases only apply to the South Korean market, and the company has not confirmed any potential changes in Europe or other regions. However, since the semiconductor and memory markets are global, similar developments cannot be ruled out elsewhere. If price increases expand, consumers' purchasing decisions may become even more difficult, especially during economically challenging times.
Due to the rise in memory chip prices, other electronics have also become more expensive recently: the prices of the years-old Playstation 5 gaming console will rise globally in April.
