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How to pre-order the Galaxy S26 series and score the best deals

The Galaxy S26 lineup is now up for pre-order, but with higher prices and slimmer launch perks this year, choosing the right retailer or carrier could make a big difference to how much you actually pay.

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Picture of three Galaxy S26 seires phones in one frame.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is now up for pre-order, but this year’s launch feels a little underwhelming. The devices bring only minor upgrades over last year’s models, yet they come at higher prices, and even the early bonuses are less generous than in previous years. If you’re still planning to upgrade, though, there are a few worthwhile pre-order deals that can help soften the blow.

Samsung.com Galaxy S26 series pre-order deals

While Samsung is not offering a free storage upgrade with pre-orders this time, there are still some solid deals available if you place your order before retail availability begins on March 11.

  • Galaxy S26: Up to $500 off with an eligible trade-in, plus up to $150 in store credit for add-on accessories.
  • Galaxy S26 Plus: Up to $700 off with an eligible trade-in, plus up to $150 in store credit for add-on accessories.
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra: Up to $900 off with an eligible trade-in, plus up to $150 in store credit for add-on accessories.

Galaxy S26 series carrier pre-order deals

For those purchasing directly from a carrier, there are a few pre-order offers available, including trade-in discounts and promotional bill credits that can help offset the higher price.

  • Verizon:
    • Galaxy S26: Get the device for free with a new line on select unlimited plans.
    • Galaxy S26 Plus: Get the device for free with a new Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus data plan, or pay only $10 per month when you sign up for the Unlimited Welcome plan.
    • Galaxy S26 Ultra: Get the device for free with an eligible trade-in and a new Unlimited Ultimate plan.
  • AT&T:
    • Galaxy S26: New and existing subscribers can get the device for free with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited data plans.
    • Galaxy S26 Plus: New and existing subscribers can get the device for free with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited data plans.
    • Galaxy S26 Ultra: New and existing subscribers can get the device for free with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited data plans.
  • T-Mobile:
    • Galaxy S26: Up to $600 with new Experience Beyond, Experience More, and Essentials data plans. Existing subscribers can get up to $600 off with Experience Beyond, Experience More, Better Value, Essentials, or legacy Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plans.
    • Galaxy S26 Plus: Get the device for free with an eligible trade-in on the Experience More plan or up to $900 off with a new line on the Experience More plan.
    • Galaxy S26 Ultra: Get the device for free with an eligible trade-in on the Experience Beyond plan or up to $600 off with trade-in on other unlimited data plans.
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Alongside the pre-order deals on Samsung.com and through major carriers, Amazon is also sweetening the pot with a free storage upgrade and gift cards bundled with the Galaxy S26 series, giving buyers another way to save some money on their purchase.

  • Galaxy S26: $100 Amazon gift card on pre-orders and a free storage upgrade to 512GB.
  • Galaxy S26 Plus: $100 Amazon gift card on pre-orders and a free storage upgrade to 512GB.
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra: $200 Amazon gift card on pre-orders and a free storage upgrade to 512GB.

Pre-order before March 11 and save some cash

These pre-order deals are live until March 11, so it’s worth acting quickly before the promotions expire. Amazon’s offers are arguably the best if you’re buying the device unlocked. However, if you’re purchasing through a carrier or are tied to a contract, the trade-in offers and bill credits available directly from carriers will deliver better overall value.

Pranob Mehrotra
Pranob Mehrotra
News Writer
Pranob is a seasoned tech journalist with over eight years of experience covering consumer technology. His work has been…
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