SEOUL, Feb 6, 2026, 18:28 (KST)
- According to a leak reported by 9to5Google, the Galaxy S26 prices in France might see slight increases, with the higher storage options going up by about €100
- There are also reports questioning if the S26 Ultra will actually include built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging
- In a TechRadar reader poll, 70% of participants said they weren’t thrilled by the early Galaxy S26 rumors
Leaks suggest Samsung Electronics will raise prices for its upcoming Galaxy S26 series in France, even though the company reportedly scaled back some planned upgrades to keep costs down. According to a Dealabs report referenced by 9to5Google, the 256GB Galaxy S26 will cost €999, with the S26+ at €1,269. The 256GB S26 Ultra remains at €1,469. The report adds that higher storage options will jump by around €100. (9to5Google)
Samsung’s Galaxy S series stands as their flagship slab phone lineup and ranks among the largest annual Android launches. Even a slight price increase usually sparks backlash, since buyers are already tight on budget and the year-over-year hardware upgrades tend to be minor.
This year, the buzz is all about the essentials: battery life, wireless charging, and Samsung’s plans for the Ultra’s stylus. The newest Qi wireless charging standard, Qi2, introduces magnets that let a phone click into place on chargers and accessories, eliminating the hassle of precise coil alignment that usually slows down charging.
Forbes revealed on Thursday that the latest leak hints the Galaxy S26 Ultra might once more skip built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging. Without these magnets, users would rely on magnetic cases and accessories to hold the phone in place, rather than the device itself securing the connection. (Forbes)
That debate is already heating up among fans. Droid Life mentioned “word on the street” suggesting the S Pen on the Galaxy S26 Ultra might be a factor, speculating that the stylus sensor layer could interfere with the magnets and coils required for full Qi2 support. They also asked Ultra users whether they actually use the S Pen enough to justify keeping it. (Droid Life)
The “digitizer” in question is the layer beneath the screen that detects stylus input. Strong magnets can disrupt this sensor, which is why some phone manufacturers avoid placing magnetic components near stylus systems or embed the magnets within cases.
Consumer buzz isn’t exactly heating up. According to a TechRadar reader poll, 70% said they’re not excited about the Galaxy S26. The author points to leaks hinting at another mostly iterative update, with the biggest changes expected on the software front and Samsung’s “Galaxy AI” features rather than the hardware. (TechRadar)
Taken together, the threads reveal a tough spot for Samsung: talk of pricing on one side, and feature cuts on the other. Competitors have conditioned premium buyers to expect seamless add-on ecosystems—magnetic wallets, car mounts, charging pucks—without having to shell out for a special case.
The story still hinges on leaks, and details can shift quickly. Pricing differs across markets, planned features often get dropped last minute, and online polls are a crude way to gauge actual consumer behavior once phones launch.
Samsung hasn’t revealed much about the Galaxy S26 lineup yet. For now, the best clues come from a steady stream of leaks — and a rising buzz that the upcoming Ultra model might have to pick between magnets or the S Pen.
