Samsung will offer you a Galaxy S26 Ultra for rent at 50% of its retail price for one year.
Samsung has introduced a new initiative to attract more customers to the Galaxy S26 series in one of its primary markets. In a press release issued earlier today, the company revealed the “Galaxy Forever” program in India.
While the name may be somewhat misleading, it essentially functions as an ownership or upgrade scheme where purchasers can acquire the Galaxy S26 Ultra (priced from $1502) or the Galaxy S26 Plus (starting at $1,288) by paying 50% of the device's cost upfront, distributed over 12 interest-free monthly payments. The standard Galaxy S26 is not included in this offer.
What does the Galaxy Forever program entail?
After using the device for a year, users have three options. They can return the smartphone after 12 months while paying a monthly fee, effectively renting the device, or keep it by settling the remaining 50% through 12 monthly payments.
The third option is to upgrade to the next Galaxy flagship, which subtracts 50% of the original price of the current device from the new phone's price. This option appears to be exclusive to those who selected Samsung Finance+ when purchasing the S26 Ultra or S26 Plus.
Under the Galaxy Forever program, Samsung is also providing its Care+ plan, which offers coverage for accidental and liquid damage for Rs. 13,999 (approximately $150) for 13 months. This coverage ensures the device remains in good condition upon return, allowing customers to receive the full buyback value.
To participate in the program, buyers must pay a monthly fee of Rs. 749.92 ($8.04), which provides coverage for accidental or liquid damage under the country’s standard policy. Therefore, even if someone intends to use the Ultra or Plus variant for only six months, they will end up spending about $100 in addition to half the phone's price.
Here's the calculation for renting versus buying:
If I were to obtain the Galaxy S26 Ultra through the Galaxy Forever program, my total payments would include half the phone's price (~$750) divided into 12 interest-free installments (~$62.5 each) plus the monthly program fee (~$8), totaling around $847 instead of the initial $750.
Moreover, when purchasing a new phone in the future, I would only receive about $750 as the buyback value for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Currently, if I buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra and trade in an S25 Ultra, I'm looking at a maximum exchange value of Rs. 81,900, or roughly $879. If Samsung keeps the exchange values for the S26 Ultra, I could be at a $100 loss.
This is just an estimated value; the actual exchange price may be lower. In that scenario, the difference between acquiring a phone through the program and buying one outright may not be significant. However, if the estimates hold, it’s definitely worth considering.
The Galaxy Forever program may appeal to Samsung enthusiasts
Regardless, the Galaxy Forever program could resonate well with Samsung loyalists in the region (of which I know several).
Considering the Galaxy S26 series is quite pricey, especially in a budget-conscious market like India, where most smartphones sold are mid-range (around $300 to $500), the Galaxy Forever program appears to be Samsung’s strategy to entice more customers towards the Galaxy S26 Ultra and S26 Plus.
Currently, the Galaxy Forever program is only available in India. In the United States, getting a new Galaxy S26 Ultra through carrier deals may be more advantageous. For example, T-Mobile is offering the Galaxy S26 Ultra (effectively at no cost) with a new line on the Experience Beyond plan (plus a $35 device connection fee).
Other articles
AI is bringing Val Kilmer back to life in the new film “As Deep as the Grave.”
As Deep as the Grave employs AI to bring Val Kilmer back into a role that was originally created for him, with his family's support for the choice, even amidst ongoing discussions about technology in the film industry.
Apple discreetly addresses Family Sharing’s most significant issue a decade after it was introduced.
Apple has recently resolved a billing issue related to Family Sharing that has existed since the feature was introduced in 2014.
Samsung will lease you a Galaxy S26 Ultra for a year at 50% of its retail price.
Galaxy Forever reshapes flagship ownership in India — pay half now and then, after a year, choose whether to keep, return, or upgrade to the next Galaxy.
You may need to wait several months for the latest Intel chips to be available in your preferred laptop brands.
Intel's Core Ultra 200HX laptop processors are being released in phases, which means that certain brands will receive them months ahead of others.
Samsung is offering to rent you a Galaxy S26 Ultra for a year at 50% of the retail price.
Galaxy Forever redefines flagship ownership in India—make a 50% payment now, and after a year, choose whether to retain, return, or upgrade to the next Galaxy.
You may need to wait several months for Intel’s newest chips to be available in laptops from your preferred brands.
Intel's Core Ultra 200HX laptop processors are being released in phases, which means that certain brands will receive them months ahead of others.
Samsung will offer you a Galaxy S26 Ultra for rent at 50% of its retail price for one year.
Galaxy Forever transforms flagship ownership in India — make a 50% payment now and then, after a year, choose whether to retain, return, or upgrade to the next Galaxy.