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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Price: €1,499 in Ireland

George Jack Morgan Thompson • 2026-06-23 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

You’ve probably seen the teased renders and early rumours — the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be the flagship to beat in 2025. With Harvey Norman Ireland already listing the 256 GB model at €1,499, we break down confirmed costs across Irish retailers and help you decide whether the upgrade is worth it.

Starting price (256 GB): €1,499 · Display size: 6.9 inches · Main camera: 200 MP · Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh · Video playback time: 31 hours

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Official Samsung launch date and global rollout timeline
  • Exact manufacturing cost and profit margin
  • Pricing in EU countries outside Ireland (no official euro price confirmed yet)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Six key specs that define the Galaxy S26 Ultra — one pattern: Samsung has packed near-identical top-tier hardware into a chassis that commands a premium across every storage tier.

Specification Detail
Starting price (256 GB) €1,499 (Harvey Norman Ireland)
Display 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED
Main camera 200 MP
Battery 5,000 mAh
Processor Exynos / Snapdragon (region dependent)
RAM 12 GB (also 16 GB on 1 TB model)
Storage options 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
Video playback Up to 31 hours
Water resistance IP68 (standard for Galaxy S series)
Charging Fast wired & wireless (exact wattage TBC)

How much will the Samsung S26 Ultra cost?

Expected retail price in Ireland

The implication: Irish retail pricing centres on €1,500 for the entry-level model, making it one of the most expensive smartphones available in the country at launch.

Specs that justify the cost

  • 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with high refresh rate — per Samsung Ireland’s official specifications
  • 200 MP main camera, 50 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP telephoto
  • 5,000 mAh battery with 31 hours of video playback
  • 12 GB RAM and latest flagship processor
The trade‑off

Irish buyers pay a €1,500 premium for a screen and camera that rival professional gear. If you don’t need the absolute best optics, the €400‑700 mid‑range segment offers 90 % of the experience at half the price.

The pattern: Samsung positions the Ultra as a halo device, and Irish pricing confirms that strategy — early adopters pay full freight, while those who wait can expect carrier deals to lower the effective cost.

TL;DR for Irish buyers: At €1,499 from Harvey Norman, the S26 Ultra commands a premium that only makes sense if you need the best camera and display. Budget-minded shoppers should look at mid-range alternatives or wait for post-launch discounts.

How much is the S26 Ultra in Europe?

Outside Ireland, official Samsung euro pricing has not been published for most EU countries. PhoneArena notes that the Galaxy S26 Ultra “keeps the same starting price as its predecessor,” suggesting the €1,499 Irish figure may be consistent across the eurozone. A Reddit thread from the samsunggalaxy subreddit allegedly shows leaked European prices, but the source is unverified and should be treated with caution (Reddit – community forum, low confidence).

Which country is the cheapest to buy S26 Ultra?

Harvey Norman Ireland lists the phone at €1,499, while Gomibo Ireland shows an outlier price of €970 for an EU version, though this is unconfirmed by Samsung. Official euro pricing for other EU countries has not been published yet, making cross-country comparison difficult at this stage.

What this means: Irish consumers have the clearest pricing picture right now. For anyone in Germany, France or Italy, it’s worth waiting for Samsung’s official cross‑EU price list before committing.

Should I buy S25 Ultra or wait for S26 Ultra?

Three key differences between the 2024 and 2025 flagships — one pattern: the S26 Ultra is an evolution, not a revolution, but the screen upgrade matters.

Feature Galaxy S25 Ultra Galaxy S26 Ultra
Display size 6.8 inches 6.9 inches Dynamic AMOLED
Main camera 200 MP 200 MP (likely same sensor)
Battery 5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Next‑gen flagship chipset
Launch price (256 GB) ~€1,399 (estimated) €1,499 confirmed

The catch: If you already own an S25 Ultra, the incremental upgrade — a slightly larger screen and a newer processor — probably doesn’t justify €1,499. For anyone on an S23 Ultra or older, the S26 Ultra’s camera and display are a meaningful leap.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra a good phone?

Performance and camera quality

  • Tesco Mobile describes it as having a “blisteringly fast processor and incredible 200 MP main camera” (Tesco Mobile Ireland – carrier product page)
  • 200 MP main sensor with 50 MP ultra‑wide provides exceptional detail in good light — per Samsung Ireland’s official specs
  • 5,000 mAh battery delivers class‑leading endurance

Pros and cons

Upsides

  • Industry‑leading 200 MP camera system
  • Vibrant 6.9‑inch Dynamic AMOLED display
  • Long battery life with 31‑hour video playback
  • 12 GB RAM for seamless multitasking

Downsides

  • Starting price of €1,499 is among the highest in the market
  • No official global launch date yet — availability is patchy
  • Heavier and larger than many rivals (exact weight TBC)
  • No charger included in box (based on previous Samsung practice)

“Blisteringly fast processor and incredible 200 MP main camera”

— Tesco Mobile Ireland product description

“6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, 200 MP camera, and 5,000 mAh battery”

— Samsung Ireland official product page

The verdict: The S26 Ultra delivers on its flagship promises, but the €1,499 price tag means it’s a phone for those who prioritise camera and display above all else.

Why is the S26 Ultra so expensive?

Components and R&D costs

  • Flagship components – 200 MP sensor, Dynamic AMOLED, latest chipset – drive up bill‑of‑materials
  • Samsung invests heavily in R&D for camera and display technology each generation
  • Inflation and currency effects have pushed euro pricing upward across the industry

Market pricing strategy

  • Samsung historically positions the Ultra series above €1,300, as noted by PhoneArena’s industry pricing analysis
  • The “Ultra” brand carries a premium; competitors like Apple and Google charge similarly for their top‑end models
  • Early‑adopter pricing will likely drop by 10–15 % within six months, as seen with previous S-series launches
Why this matters

The €1,499 price isn’t arbitrary — it reflects Samsung’s strategy to maintain the Ultra as a halo device. For Irish consumers, the real cost depends on timing: early adopters pay full retail, while those who wait may save €150–200 through carrier deals or trade‑ins.

The implication: Samsung’s pricing deliberately keeps the Ultra out of reach for casual buyers, preserving its status as the pinnacle of the Galaxy lineup.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

For Irish buyers weighing a purchase, the choice is clear: if you need the latest now, the S26 Ultra delivers on specs, but waiting could bring better carrier deals or a price drop after the initial wave. For budget-conscious shoppers, the S25 Ultra remains a strong alternative at a lower entry price once discounts and trade‑ins are factored in.

Additional sources

switcher.ie, youtube.com

Frequently asked questions

Does the Samsung S26 Ultra support 5G?

Yes, all Galaxy S26 Ultra models sold in Ireland include 5G connectivity. The Harvey Norman and Sky Ireland listings explicitly note 5G support (Harvey Norman Ireland).

What colors are available for the S26 Ultra?

Official color options have not been confirmed by Samsung Ireland yet. Based on previous Ultra launches, expect black, white, and possibly a limited-edition titanium shade.

Is the S26 Ultra water resistant?

Yes. The Galaxy S series has carried an IP68 rating for years, and the S26 Ultra is expected to maintain that standard. Samsung’s official specs page lists water resistance as a key feature.

Does the S26 Ultra come with a charger in the box?

Based on Samsung’s recent practice (starting with the S21 series), a charger is unlikely to be included. Irish retailers like Harvey Norman sell the handset only. You may need to purchase a compatible USB-C charger separately.

Are there trade-in offers from Samsung or carriers?

Samsung Ireland typically runs trade-in promotions at launch. Vodafone and Tesco Mobile also offer upgrade deals. Check their websites closer to the official release date for specific offers.

Is the price the same across all EU countries?

Not necessarily. While the Irish price is €1,499, other EU markets may differ due to VAT rates and carrier agreements. No official Samsung pricing for other EU countries has been published yet.



George Jack Morgan Thompson

About the author

George Jack Morgan Thompson

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.