Samsung’s ‘Galaxy Forever’ Program Launches in India, Offering Flexible Upgrade Options

Samsung has introduced a new ownership program, “Galaxy Forever,” in India, designed to make its flagship Galaxy S26 series more accessible to consumers. The program offers flexible options for acquiring the Galaxy S26 Ultra and S26 Plus, including rental-like monthly payments, traditional ownership, and upgrade paths.

How the Galaxy Forever Program Works

The Galaxy Forever program allows customers to obtain the Galaxy S26 Ultra (starting at $1502) or Galaxy S26 Plus (starting at $1,288) by paying 50% of the device’s price upfront in 12 interest-free monthly installments. The standard Galaxy S26 is not currently eligible for the program. Gadgets360 reports that after one year, buyers have three choices:

• Return the Device: Customers can return the device after 12 months, continuing to pay a monthly fee, effectively renting the smartphone.
• Full Ownership: Buyers can pay the remaining 50% of the device’s price in 12 monthly installments to own the phone outright.
• Upgrade to the Next Galaxy Flagship: Customers who use Samsung Finance+ can upgrade to the next Galaxy flagship model, with 50% of the original device’s price deducted from the new phone’s cost.

Additional Benefits and Costs

Samsung is likewise offering its Care+ plan as part of the Galaxy Forever program, providing accidental and liquid damage protection for Rs. 13,999 (approximately $150) for 13 months. Mashable India notes that a monthly fee of Rs. 749.92 ($8.04) is required to cover accidental or liquid damage under the standard policy.

Financial Considerations

The total cost of the program extends beyond the initial 50% down payment. For example, acquiring the Galaxy S26 Ultra through Galaxy Forever involves approximately $62.50 per month for the phone itself (split from the 50% downpayment) plus an additional $8.04 monthly program fee, totaling around $847 for the first year. The buyback value after one year is estimated at 50% of the original price, or around $750.

Trade-in values for the S26 Ultra are yet to be determined, but potential buyers should compare the program’s benefits against direct purchase options, especially considering potential trade-in values for existing devices like the S25 Ultra, which currently offer a maximum exchange value of Rs. 81,900 (approximately $879).

Target Audience and Market Impact

The Galaxy Forever program appears to be targeted towards Samsung loyalists in India, a price-sensitive market where mid-range smartphones dominate sales. Business Standard reports that the Galaxy S26 series launched in India on February 26, 2026, with price increases compared to the S25 series. The program aims to attract more customers to the higher-end Galaxy S26 Ultra and S26 Plus models.

Currently, the Galaxy Forever program is exclusive to India. For customers in the United States, carrier deals, such as T-Mobile’s offer of a free Galaxy S26 Ultra with a new line on the Experience Beyond plan, may provide more advantageous options.