Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Launch Marked by Price Increases Amidst Chip Crisis
Jakarta, Indonesia – Samsung has officially released the Galaxy S26 series in Indonesia, but the launch is accompanied by notable price increases across the lineup. The price adjustments reflect the ongoing challenges posed by a global chip shortage and rising production costs.
Price Increases Across the Galaxy S26 Range
The base model, Samsung Galaxy S26 (12GB RAM/256GB storage), is priced at IDR 16.5 million, representing a IDR 1.5 million increase compared to the previous generation. The 12GB/512GB variant sees a more substantial price hike of IDR 2.5 million. Similar increases apply to the Galaxy S26+ models, with the 12GB/256GB version up IDR 1.5 million and the 12GB/512GB model increasing by IDR 2.5 million.
The premium Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts a higher RAM capacity of 16GB paired with 1TB of internal storage, and carries a price tag of IDR 32 million. This is an increase from the previous generation’s highest configuration (12GB RAM/1TB storage) which was priced at IDR 29 million.
Global Price Adjustments
The price increases are not limited to Indonesia. Reports indicate that several models in the United States and South Korea are also experiencing price adjustments Reuters.
Chip Shortage and Production Costs
Samsung attributes the price increases to the ongoing global chip shortage, which is driving up production costs and eroding profit margins for consumer electronics manufacturers. In January, Samsung warned of potential disruptions due to the increasing demand for chips, particularly those used in AI applications Reuters.
Strong Chip Business, Pressured Mobile Division
Despite the challenges in the mobile division, Samsung’s chip business reported a significant surge in profits. Operating profit more than tripled in the fourth quarter of 2025, reaching a record high. This growth is attributed to the high demand for memory chips used in AI development. However, profits from the mobile business fell by 10% due to rising chip prices Reuters.
Challenges Ahead for Samsung
Samsung anticipates a “challenging year” in 2026, with continued pressure from rising memory prices. The company plans to collaborate closely with its partners to ensure a stable product supply and improve resource efficiency. Analysts suggest that maintaining margins will be a key focus for Samsung’s mobile division Reuters.
The impact of the chip crisis is expected to be more pronounced on lower-priced smartphone models, as manufacturers in this segment typically operate on smaller margins and rely on high sales volumes. Samsung’s display business also anticipates weaker smartphone demand and potential pressure from customers to lower prices.
Display Business Performance
Samsung’s display business experienced strong sales in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by demand for the iPhone 17 series from Apple. However, the division anticipates challenges in the coming quarters due to the broader economic pressures and chip shortages.