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A reported Galaxy S27 price increase is enough to make an iPhone 18 look tempting—but it is not a confirmed price comparison. As of October 3, 2026, Samsung had not announced S27 retail prices, and the reported increase of up to 130,000 won applies to South Korea, not necessarily other markets. Apple has not announced iPhone 18 prices either.
What the Galaxy S27 price leak actually says
PhoneArena attributes the rumor to a Korean leaker: entry-level storage versions of the Galaxy S27 could cost up to 130,000 South Korean won more, with larger increases possible for higher-storage versions. That is a reported possibility, not a Samsung announcement. PhoneArena also says the report does not confirm a price increase outside South Korea. PhoneArena’s report
A separate report by Seoul Economic Daily on September 26 said S27 retail prices had not been set, while expecting the top configuration to remain in the mid-2-million-won range. That is a forecast for South Korea, not a confirmed price or a U.S. estimate. Seoul Economic Daily’s report
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For U.S. shoppers, PhoneArena’s suggestion that the S27 Ultra could start at $1,499 is hypothetical: it depends on a South Korean increase carrying over to the U.S. It is not a leaked U.S. price. PhoneArena lists anticipated U.S. prices of $899.99 for a 256 GB Galaxy S27 and $1,099.99 for a 256 GB S27 Plus, but also says concrete prices for those models have not leaked. Treat those figures as estimates, not retailer prices. PhoneArena’s S27 overview
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Is the iPhone 18 likely to be cheaper?
There is no evidence yet that the iPhone 18 will be the cheaper choice. PhoneArena presents that outcome as a possibility, while TrendForce estimates Apple could raise iPhone 18 prices by 10–20%. That percentage is an analyst estimate, not an Apple price announcement. TrendForce’s estimate
Keep the model tiers separate when prices do arrive. A Galaxy S27 Ultra should be compared with the relevant iPhone Pro Max, not automatically with the base iPhone 18. Likewise, estimates or reports about an iPhone 18 Pro Max do not establish the base iPhone 18’s price. Seoul Economic Daily’s iPhone 18 Pro range figures concern South Korea and that Pro tier; they do not establish U.S. or other-market pricing. Seoul Economic Daily’s report
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What is known—and not known—about timing
Samsung had not announced S27 retail prices, the final lineup, regional pricing, or whether a rumored increase will happen. PhoneArena describes a January or February 2027 debut as probable; Seoul Economic Daily reports an unveiling early next year. These are forward-looking expectations, not confirmed dates. PhoneArena’s S27 overview Seoul Economic Daily’s report
PhoneArena does not expect the base iPhone 18 before March and discusses the Pro Max separately. That timing is also an expectation rather than a confirmed launch date. PhoneArena’s report
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
How to decide whether to wait or switch
If you can wait until both lineups and regional offers are announced, compare the actual cost of the models you would buy rather than deciding from a leak. Use the same market, storage level, and tier, then include carrier-plan costs and trade-in terms.
- Compare local out-the-door prices. A South Korean rumor does not set a U.S. price; taxes, regional pricing, and offers can change the final cost.
- Match storage and model tier. Compare equivalent configurations, and do not use an Ultra-versus-base comparison to declare one brand cheaper.
- Count the whole deal. Check trade-in value, required plan, new-line conditions, and how long any promotion lasts. Future S27 carrier offers are not established by current reporting.
- Weigh the features you care about. Reported S27 hardware and launch details remain expectations, so they are not yet a firm basis for claiming one phone has an advantage.
If you need a phone before those announcements, choose based on current, confirmed prices and your own priorities rather than assuming either future device will win on price. The evidence available now supports interest in the iPhone 18 as a possible alternative—not a conclusion that it will cost less.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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