Samsung Galaxy S26 has launched, and I’m discovering the perfect pre-order offers

The wait is over. After months of leaks and teasers, Samsung has formally unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra at its Galaxy Unpacked occasion, ushering in what it calls the period of the “AI phone”.

This yr, Samsung has plopped AI firmly on the centre of its Galaxy telephones. With Galaxy AI, the S26 line-up can mechanically categorise screenshots, search messages and paperwork utilizing pure language, counsel when to depart primarily based in your calendar and even reply to calls with dwell captions or text-to-voice replies. It can even dampen background audio inside third-party apps like YouTube and Netflix, whereas expanded generative instruments allow you to edit images with brief prompts. Basically, Samsung desires the telephone to anticipate what you want quite than wait to be advised.

In phrases of {hardware}, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is slimmer than ever at 7.9mm thick, however nonetheless manages to squeeze in a bigger vapour cooling chamber. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and features a brand new 50MP ultra-wide lens, improved low-light processing and a 360-degree horizon stabilisation function designed to maintain video regular even once you’re shifting.

The most attention-grabbing addition, although, is a built-in privateness show aimed toward stopping shoulder surfers. The S26 and S26 Plus see extra modest {hardware} adjustments, boasting Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 processor with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as commonplace.

The catch, nonetheless, is the worth. All three fashions price greater than final yr’s S25 vary within the UK, with the steepest value hike coming to the S26 Plus. Launching on 11 March and obtainable to pre-order now, right here’s every thing you have to know.

Samsung Galaxy S26 value: How a lot does the S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra price within the UK?

While rumours steered the S26 line-up can be getting a value hike in its dwelling nation of South Korea because of the rising prices of RAM, we weren’t anticipating a rise to come back to the UK as effectively. But after maintaining costs broadly the identical for the S23, S24 and S25 telephones, Samsung has bumped up the worth of your complete S26 line-up this yr.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 now begins from £879 for the 256GB mannequin, whereas the 512GB mannequin prices £1,049. That’s a £30 value hike on final yr’s S25. The S26 Plus begins at £1,099 for the 256GB mannequin and £1,269 for the 512GB mannequin – a steep £100 bounce in contrast with its predecessor.

As for the Galaxy S26 Ultra? That one begins at £1,279 for the 256GB mannequin, £1,449 for the 512GB and £1,699 for the 1TB mannequin. That’s £30 greater than the S25 Ultra at launch.

All three fashions now begin at 256GB as commonplace, which Samsung will probably argue helps soften the blow.

When are you able to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra?

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Right now. The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra can be found to pre-order now within the UK. It will begin transport on Wednesday 11 March.

The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra are available black, white, cobalt violet and sky blue. If you pre-order from Samsung straight, you too can get the S26 Ultra in pink gold or silver.

Samsung can be working bonuses for anybody who pre-orders the telephones. Customers who order any Galaxy S26 mannequin in the course of the pre-order window will obtain double the storage at no additional price, that means if you buy a 256GB telephone, you’ll get a 512GB telephone at no additional price, whereas 512GB fashions might be bumped as much as 1TB. This pre-order bonus applies to each retailer and provider.

Best Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order offers

Mobile telephone carriers are beginning to drop pre-order offers on the most recent handsets. If you’re trying to pair your smartphone with a brand new contract, we’re rounding up the perfect pre-order offers as they land.

Best Sky Mobile Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order offers

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Sky Mobile is the primary provider to announce its Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order offers. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra begins from £45 per 30 days, whereas the S26 Plus begins from £38 per 30 days and the usual S26 from £30 per 30 days. There’s additionally a £12 up-front price on the handsets. Do observe you’ll want so as to add a knowledge plan on high, which pushes the month-to-month value larger.

Sky’s 5GB and 10GB knowledge plans are at present half value for the primary six months, costing £6 and £7 per 30 days respectively earlier than rising to their normal charges. There’s additionally a 40GB plan for £18 per 30 days (at present £10), and limitless knowledge is accessible for £19 per 30 days when purchased with a tool.

If you go for Sky’s most cost-effective 5GB knowledge plan, you’ll pay £42 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26, £50 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26 Plus and £57 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26 Ultra on a 36-month contract.

Sky can be throwing in just a few extras to sweeten the deal. Anyone who pre-orders an S26 mannequin will get double storage at no additional price, that means the 512GB model prices the identical because the 256GB mannequin. And in case you pre-order the S26 Ultra, you’ll additionally obtain a Galaxy Watch8 Classic included without spending a dime. If you pre-order an S26 or S26 Plus, you’ll get a free Galaxy Watch8.

As normal with Sky Mobile, unused knowledge rolls into its Piggybank for as much as a yr. You can swap to a brand new telephone earlier than your contract ends and streaming on Sky apps equivalent to Sky Go and Sky Sports received’t eat into your knowledge allowance.

Best Vodafone Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order offers

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Vodafone can be providing pre-order offers on the Samsung Galaxy S26 vary. The Samsung Galaxy S26 begins from £24.50 per 30 days, the S26 Plus from £31 per 30 days and the S26 Ultra from £35.50 per 30 days on a 36-month contract. There’s a £40 up-front price on the S26 and S26 Plus, and £50 up-front on the S26 Ultra. You’ll additionally want so as to add an airtime plan, so your month-to-month price might be larger.

Vodafone’s most cost-effective airtime plan comes with 5GB of information for £18 per 30 days on a 24-month contract. Larger knowledge plans can be found at larger month-to-month prices. Vodafone additionally provides limitless knowledge plan choices. If you pair the handsets with Vodafone’s most cost-effective 5GB Airtime plan, you’ll pay £42.50 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26, £49 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26 Plus and £53.50 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, plus the up-front charge.

You additionally get the identical pre-order bonuses as each different retailer. If you pre-order by 10 March, you’ll get double storage at no additional price. There’s additionally the choice to avoid wasting as much as £914 with an eligible trade-in, whereas Vodafone’s Xchange programme permits you to improve yearly on chosen plans. The community’s Lifetime Service Promise consists of battery well being checks, replacements and a lifetime guarantee when you stay on a pay-monthly plan.

Best Three Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order offers

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Three additionally has pre-order offers on the Samsung Galaxy S26 line-up. The Samsung Galaxy S26 begins from £24.50 per 30 days for the handset, the S26 Plus from £31 per 30 days and the S26 Ultra from £35.50 per 30 days on a 36-month gadget plan. There’s a £40 up-front price on the S26 and S26 Plus, and £50 up-front on the Ultra. Like Vodafone, you’ll have so as to add a knowledge plan.

Three’s most cost-effective Lite airtime plan comes with 5GB of information for £16 per 30 days on a 24-month contract. If you go for the 5GB plan, you’ll pay £40.50 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26, £47 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26 Plus and £51.50 per 30 days for the Galaxy S26 Ultra on a 36-month gadget plan, plus the up-front price.

If you pre-order by 10 March, you’ll additionally get the 512GB mannequin for the worth of the 256GB one. Plans embody entry to the Three+ rewards app and inclusive roaming to as much as 160 locations.

Best O2 Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order offers

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O2 can be taking pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 vary, however it’s slightly pricier than the opposite carriers. The Galaxy S26 prices £23.58 per 30 days for the gadget itself, £29.69 for the S26 Plus and £34.69 for the S26 Ultra.

All three require a £30 up-front fee. You’ll then want to decide on an airtime plan, with O2’s most cost-effective 5GB traditional plan priced at £23 per 30 days. Monthly, you’re taking a look at £46.58 for the S26, £52.69 for the S26 Plus and £57.69 for the S26 Ultra. O2 leans closely on perks quite than value.

Customers get entry to Priority for early gig tickets and rewards, EU roaming at no additional price, and the choice to improve to plus or final plans for added advantages. Virgin Media broadband prospects can even unlock double knowledge by Volt.

Best EE Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order offers

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You can even pre-order the S26 handsets at EE on a 36-month plan, with the handset price unfold over three years and airtime working on a separate 24-month contract. Pricing varies relying on which plan you select, however utilizing EE’s discounted 25GB necessities tariff works out the most cost effective.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 works out at £45.26 per 30 days with £30 upfront, whereas the S26 Ultra is available in at £53.59 per 30 days. Weirdly, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus is the most costly of the trio, costing £62.04 per 30 days for 25GB of information. All three require a £30 upfront fee.

As with different networks, EE is providing double storage on pre-orders till 10 March, that means prospects get 512GB for the worth of 256GB. Those shopping for SIM-free can even declare a £150 EE Tech Voucher to spend within the EE retailer. EE’s necessities plans plans embody 5G+ entry, limitless calls and texts, and the flexibility to reward knowledge to relations. If you get the all-rounder or full works plan, you’ll additionally unlock inclusive extras equivalent to Netflix, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Google One.

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