The Samsung Galaxy S25 launch is anticipated in just over a month, but recent leaks suggest a potential price increase and limited storage for the base model. These rumors, while not confirmed, paint a concerning picture for prospective buyers.
The rumored price hike, reported by The JoongAng newspaper, suggests an increase of approximately $105 USD. This is attributed to the weakening South Korean Won against the US dollar, impacting the cost of imported components, as reported by Yonhap News. While Samsung devices are typically priced lower in markets outside of Korea, a significant domestic price change often influences global pricing. The current political climate in South Korea, combined with fluctuating exchange rates, seems to be contributing to this potential increase.
A person holding the Galaxy S24 Ultra.Image: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in hand. (Andy Boxall / MaagX)
Considering the Galaxy S24 launched at $800 for the base model, this potential price hike could position the Galaxy S25 at $900 or more. This trend could further escalate prices for the Galaxy S25 Plus (potentially $1,000) and the Galaxy S25 Ultra (possibly $1,400), especially considering the S24 Ultra already saw a $100 price jump from its predecessor.
Adding to the potential price concerns, leaker Roland Quandt claims the base Galaxy S25 model will offer only 128GB of storage. This limited storage capacity is arguably insufficient for a flagship device, particularly given the demands of high-resolution photos and videos, along with the increasing size of apps and games. With rising production costs, Samsung may be forced to make compromises on internal storage upgrades.
It’s important to approach these leaks with caution, as pricing decisions can fluctuate until closer to the official release. However, if these rumors prove true, the Galaxy S25 series might face a challenging reception from consumers sensitive to price and storage limitations.