Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: No price hike expected, new display fix rumored

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Price Freeze and Improved Display Rumors

Samsung fans have been buzzing with rumors about the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. Despite early speculation of a 10-12% price hike, recent leaks suggest Samsung might keep the pricing steady for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra models. A key reason for this decision seems to be Apple’s choice not to increase prices for the iPhone 16 series, prompting Samsung to reconsider its pricing strategy.

Expected Pricing for Galaxy S25 Series

• Galaxy S25: The base model of the Galaxy S25 is expected to start at $799 for the 12GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. A higher storage option with 256GB might be priced around $859 for the carrier-unlocked model.
• Galaxy S25 Plus: The S25 Plus could come in two storage configurations. The 12GB RAM and 256GB variant may start at $999, while the 512GB version might be priced at $1119.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: The flagship S25 Ultra is rumored to start at $1299 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB model. The 512GB variant might cost $1419, and a premium model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage could reach $1659.

These prices remain unconfirmed, but if true, they align closely with the current Galaxy S24 pricing, indicating that Samsung is likely to maintain its current price strategy.

Early Purchase Benefits and Offers

For early buyers, Samsung is expected to roll out various promotions. These could include enhanced trade-in credits, up to $50 Samsung Credit, and potentially free upgrades to higher storage tiers. In the US, Samsung might also offer freebies like the Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds, depending on the retailer and terms of the sale.

Rumored Release Date

The Galaxy S25 series is expected to be unveiled at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, likely on January 22. Alongside the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, there could also be a new variant introduced — the Galaxy S25 Slim. This launch event could mark one of Samsung’s most anticipated releases, setting the stage for its flagship lineup in 2024.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to Address Grainy Display Issues

One of the standout rumors for the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the potential fix for the grainy display problem seen in its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Users of the S24 Ultra reported experiencing a grainy or sandy texture, especially visible in darker colors at lower brightness settings. This issue, believed to be a hardware-related problem rather than a software glitch, led to dissatisfaction among many users, sparking discussions across the Samsung Community, Reddit, and social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

Samsung initially promised a software update to address the issue but failed to deliver a complete fix, leaving users frustrated. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to resolve this with a new display panel.

Improved Display with M13+ OLED Panel

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not adopt the latest M14 OLED technology, it is rumored to feature an improved M13+ OLED panel. This upgraded panel is expected to enhance color accuracy and reduce the grainy texture issues.

• Enhanced Color Reproduction: The M13+ OLED panel could bring better color vibrancy, making content look richer and more vivid without impacting battery performance.
• Power Efficiency: The new panel is also rumored to be more power-efficient than its predecessor, contributing to better battery life despite not increasing the peak brightness levels.

The decision to use the M13+ panel instead of the M14 OLED, which is debuting with other flagship devices like the Pixel 9 and iPhone 16, seems to be a cost-control measure. This choice aims to keep production costs manageable and avoid passing price hikes onto consumers.

Samsung’s Strategic Moves Against Apple

Samsung’s decision to freeze the pricing of its Galaxy S25 series is seen as a strategic response to Apple’s pricing approach. By not raising the prices of its flagship models, Samsung aims to stay competitive in a market where consumers are increasingly sensitive to price changes, especially as global economic challenges persist.

The move also helps Samsung maintain its market position against rivals like Apple, who has set the trend of holding prices steady for their iPhone 16 series. This strategy may help Samsung attract price-conscious buyers who are looking for high-end features without a significant price increase.

Final Thoughts and Anticipation

With potential improvements in display quality and no expected price increase, the Galaxy S25 Ultra could be a highly attractive option for Samsung enthusiasts. The rumored enhancements suggest that Samsung is paying close attention to user feedback, particularly regarding display quality, which has been a critical issue for many.

While these details are still based on leaks and rumors, the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event is expected to provide concrete information about Samsung’s next flagship lineup. As the launch date approaches, more confirmed specifications and features are likely to emerge, giving potential buyers a clearer picture of what to expect from the Galaxy S25 series.

Stay tuned as we continue to update you with the latest information on Samsung’s upcoming flagship lineup.