Samsung has launched a novel ownership program, “Galaxy Forever,” in India, offering customers a pathway to owning or regularly upgrading to the latest Galaxy S26 series devices. The program, announced earlier today, focuses on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Plus, allowing buyers to acquire them through 12 interest-free monthly installments covering 50% of the device’s price.
Under the Galaxy Forever program, customers initially pay half the cost of the chosen device. After one year, they have three options: return the device with a monthly fee, effectively renting the smartphone; pay the remaining 50% in 12 monthly installments to fully own it; or upgrade to the next Galaxy flagship, with 50% of the original price deducted from the new device’s cost. The upgrade option is exclusively available to those who financed their purchase through Samsung Finance+.
Samsung is as well including its Care+ plan with the program, providing accidental and liquid damage protection for Rs. 13,999 (approximately $150) for 13 months. This coverage is intended to ensure the device remains in good condition for return or trade-in. A monthly fee of Rs. 749.92 ($8.04) is required to cover accidental or liquid damage under the program’s standard policy.
The financial implications of the program reveal a total cost exceeding the initial 50% down payment. For example, acquiring the Galaxy S26 Ultra through Galaxy Forever involves paying half the price of the phone, divided into 12 installments of approximately $62.50, plus the monthly program fee of around $8, totaling approximately $847. While this provides access to the device, the buyback value after one year is limited to 50% of the original price, or around $750 for the Ultra.
Currently, trading in a Galaxy S25 Ultra directly with Samsung yields a maximum exchange value of Rs. 81,900 (approximately $879). If Samsung maintains similar exchange values for the S26 Ultra, customers opting for the Galaxy Forever program could potentially lose around $100 compared to a direct trade-in. The actual exchange price remains an unknown factor, potentially altering the cost-benefit analysis.
The Galaxy S26 series, with the Galaxy S26 priced starting at ₹87,999 (approximately $1,053) in India, represents a significant investment, particularly in a market where mid-range smartphones (priced between $300 and $500) dominate sales. The Galaxy Forever program appears designed to make the higher-finish devices more accessible to a wider range of customers. The program is currently limited to India; in the United States, Samsung is offering the Galaxy S26 Ultra effectively for free with a new line on the T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan, plus a $35 device connection charge.
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