Samsung will lease you a Galaxy S26 Ultra for a year at half the retail price.
Samsung has introduced a new strategy to attract more customers to the Galaxy S26 series in one of its major markets. In a press release issued earlier today, the company unveiled the “Galaxy Forever” program in India.
While the name may be somewhat misleading, it essentially functions as an ownership or upgrade program, allowing customers to acquire the Galaxy S26 Ultra (priced from $1502) or Galaxy S26 Plus (starting at $1,288) by paying 50% of the device's cost up front, followed by 12 monthly interest-free installments. The standard Galaxy S26 is not included in this offer.
What does the Galaxy Forever program entail?
After one year, participants have three choices. They can return the device after 12 months of use alongside a monthly payment, which essentially resembles a smartphone rental, or they can keep the device by paying the remaining 50% in 12 monthly installments.
There’s also an option to upgrade to the next Galaxy flagship, which allows buyers to subtract 50% of the current device's original price from the price of the new smartphone. This option appears to be available only for those who chose Samsung Finance+ when acquiring the S26 Ultra or S26 Plus.
As part of the Galaxy Forever program, Samsung is offering its Care+ plan, which provides accidental and liquid damage protection for Rs. 13,999 (approximately $150) for 13 months. This coverage helps ensure the device is in good condition upon return to maximize buyback value.
However, participants must also pay a monthly fee of Rs. 749.92 ($8.04), which covers accidental or liquid damage as per the country's standard policy. Therefore, even if someone uses the Ultra or Plus variant for just six months, they will pay around $100 in addition to half the device's price.
Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with renting versus buying:
For instance, if I acquire the Galaxy S26 Ultra through the Galaxy Forever program, I would pay half the price of the device (approximately $750) divided into 12 interest-free installments (around $62.5) plus the monthly program fee (around $8), totaling about $847, rather than just $750.
Moreover, I would receive only half the value of the Galaxy S26 Ultra—approximately $750—as the buyback amount when I choose to purchase a new phone later on. Currently, if I buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra and trade in an S25 Ultra immediately, I would receive a maximum exchange value of Rs. 81,900, or around $879. If Samsung maintains its exchange values for the S26 Ultra, I could potentially lose $100 in this transaction.
This is an estimated figure, and the actual trade-in value might be lower; in that case, the difference between obtaining a phone through the program and purchasing one outright may not be significant. However, if not, then it’s advisable to evaluate the mathematics involved at least once.
The Galaxy Forever program could resonate well among Samsung enthusiasts.
Regardless, the Galaxy Forever initiative could prove to be highly successful among Samsung fans in the region (I know quite a few).
Given the high price of the Galaxy S26 series, particularly in a cost-sensitive market like India where most smartphones sold are mid-range (approximately $300 to $500), the Galaxy Forever program appears to be Samsung's approach to attracting more consumers to the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy S26 Plus.
Currently, the Galaxy Forever program is exclusive to India. In the United States, customers may fare better by acquiring a new Galaxy S26 Ultra through carrier promotions. For example, T-Mobile is offering the Galaxy S26 Ultra effectively for free with a new line on the Experience Beyond plan (plus a $35 device connection fee).
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Samsung will lease you a Galaxy S26 Ultra for a year at half the retail price.
Galaxy Forever reshapes flagship ownership in India — pay 50% upfront, and after a year, you can choose to keep, return, or upgrade to the next Galaxy.