Samsung galaxy s26 reservations: fewer perks than previous years
Galaxy s26 reservations are now open
Well, it's official! Galaxy S26 reservations are now live, but with a noticeable shift in incentives compared to previous years. While the announcement of the flagship phones is imminent – the Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for February 25 at 10 AM PT – the reservation perks aren't quite as generous as fans might have hoped. Instead of the highly anticipated double storage bonus, Samsung is offering a $30 Samsung credit, a chance to win $5,000, and pre-order savings of up to $900 with eligible trade-ins.
The end of double storage?
Many users anticipated Samsung might resist the ongoing “RAMpocalypse,” the term used to describe the increasing cost of RAM. Double storage was a major draw for previous Galaxy S pre-orders, making its absence a bit disappointing. While the increased cost of memory is a likely culprit, the reduced reservation gift adds insult to injury, shrinking from $50 in previous years to just $30.
A comparison of pre-order perks: s23, s24, and s25
Let's take a look at how the Galaxy S26’s offerings stack up against its predecessors. Samsung has historically offered compelling pre-order incentives. The Galaxy S25 included savings of over $1,250 on the Ultra model, a $120 free storage upgrade, a $900 maximum trade-in price cut, and up to $300 in Samsung credits. The S25+ received up to $700 off with trade-ins and a $100 Samsung credit, while the standard S25 offered up to $500 off and an additional $100 credit.
Galaxy s24's generous incentives
The Galaxy S24 pre-order offers were similarly attractive. The Galaxy S24 Ultra was available with up to $990 in savings, including a $140 free storage upgrade, a $750 trade-in discount, and a $100 Samsung credit. The Galaxy S24+ and S24 received a trade-in promo of up to $550, a $100 Samsung credit, and an additional $60-$120 in savings through a free storage upgrade.
The galaxy s23's standout deals
Even further back, the Galaxy S23 pre-orders provided substantial benefits, including a free storage upgrade, a $100 Samsung credit, and trade-in perks. Users could save between $700 and $750 on the Galaxy S23, with the higher discount exclusively for the Ultra model. All three lineups also offered a $50 reservation gift.
Analyzing the current situation
The current trade-in price cut for the Galaxy S26 is quite appealing, potentially offering up to $900 in savings. However, the shift away from double storage discounts, a tradition since at least the S23 series, is noticeable. While Samsung might be justified in adjusting due to rising RAM costs, the reduced reservation gift feels like a step backward. It remains to be seen if Samsung will add an extra credit before pre-orders go live.