Samsung's awkward Galaxy S26+ is trying hard to win your heart at an enhanced $175 discount

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By Adrian Diaconescu

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 6:03 AM

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The S26+ is not the best phone in the world, but it's not that bad... at these prices either. | Image by PhoneArena

Did Samsung make the right call by cancelling the razor-thin S26 Edge and releasing the Galaxy S26 in three "traditional" versions last month? Not according to our Galaxy S26 Plus review, in which my good friend Peter K. savagely labeled the 6.7-inch powerhouse as a "perfectly good phone with no reason to exist."

But because it does exist, I believe some hardcore Samsung fans and general Android enthusiasts should look at the S26+ right now and seriously consider the possibility of choosing it over its big and little brothers. Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is an undeniably better device, which is why it's also significantly costlier (even at an outright discount of up to $220).

$175 off (16%)

5G, Unlocked, 256GB Storage, 12GB RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Processor, 6.7-Inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Display with 3120 x 1440 Pixel Resolution and 120Hz Refresh Rate Technology, Armor Aluminum Frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Protection, Android 16, 50 + 10 + 12MP Triple Rear-Facing Camera System, 12MP Front-Facing Camera, 4,900mAh Battery with 45W Wired and 25W Wireless Charging Support, Galaxy AI, Four Color Options, US Version, 1-Year Warranty

Buy at Amazon

$175 off (13%)

5G, Unlocked, 512GB Storage, 12GB RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Processor, 6.7-Inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Display with 3120 x 1440 Pixel Resolution and 120Hz Refresh Rate Technology, Armor Aluminum Frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Protection, Android 16, 50 + 10 + 12MP Triple Rear-Facing Camera System, 12MP Front-Facing Camera, 4,900mAh Battery with 45W Wired and 25W Wireless Charging Support, Galaxy AI, Four Color Options, US Version, 1-Year Warranty

Buy at Amazon

The compact Galaxy S26, meanwhile, is only marked down by $100 without any special requirements or strings attached at the time of this writing, which is unlikely to blow many bargain hunters' minds. The Galaxy S26 Plus, on the other hand, can be had for 175 bucks less than usual, and if you hurry, you can pick both your favorite storage configuration and colorway at the same hefty discount.

As far as I know, the S26+ hasn't been available at a larger outright discount before in an entry-level 256GB variant, although Amazon did allow early adopters to save even more than $175 during the handset's pre-order period, following up that killer launch deal with a very interesting (but short-lived) promotion last week that bundled a $100 price cut with a $100 gift card.

Three great cameras, a super-clean design, and a reasonably thin profile. What more could you want? | Image by PhoneArena

Unsurprisingly, Amazon is also behind this new offer, as well as a considerably bigger Galaxy S25+ markdown that makes the S26 Plus continue to feel a tad overpriced. Should you opt for the latest model? Only if you want the fastest available processor and an extra year of software support. Or if you miss out on the latest and greatest Galaxy S25 Plus discount, which is likely to go away much sooner than the latest and greatest Galaxy S26 Plus promo.

Compared to some of the other top contenders for the title of best Android phone in the world today, the Galaxy S26+ also seems a bit excessively priced, at $1,099.99 and up (normally), but the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen, 50 + 10 + 12MP triple rear-facing camera system, 4,900mAh battery with 45W charging support, and Galaxy AI skills almost make the new tags feel justified.

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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.

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