Next flagship Android phones may cost up to $1,500 as prices keep rising

The next top-end Android phones could cost a lot more. One rumor says the Galaxy S27 Ultra may start at $1,500. That is $200 above what the S26 Ultra cost at launch earlier this year. A 9to5Google column argues that rising prices may push many buyers to keep their old phones.

What changed

Through 2026, several new phones that were barely changed from last year's models have launched with $100 price hikes. Some older phones also went up in price months after release, with no warning or official announcement. The S26 Ultra's current price is $100 below the rumored S27 Ultra price.

Motorola is trying to return to the US flagship market for the first time since 2023. Rumors suggest an even higher price for its phone. The column says that could keep shoppers away.

Cheaper phones are not safe either

The Pixel 10a, Google's lower-priced phone, already got a $100 increase. It uses an older chip, the Tensor G4. That makes the column wonder whether the Pixel 11a will see a similar rise or lose some premium features.

The cause is the cost of memory, called RAM, which helps a phone run many apps at once. The column says the squeeze could last to 2030 or beyond. Makers may have to choose between higher prices and weaker specs.

What could get cut

• Some companies are reportedly cutting RAM to 8GB, 6GB or even 4GB, depending on the model and market.
• Entry-level flagships with 128GB of storage could return.
• Phones under $600 might bring back 64GB, which is the column's guess.
• Features like 120Hz OLED screens may stay, paid for by cuts elsewhere.

The 128GB and 64GB points are the writer's expectations, not confirmed plans. The Pixel 12 price is also unknown, and the column says it is too early to predict.

What to do

Trade-in offers, carrier deals and Pixel sales still exist. The column warns they may not last if prices keep climbing. At $1,500, a phone costs about as much as a mid-tier home treadmill or a nice OLED TV.

Shoppers can set a firm price limit before looking at any phone. After that, the choices are to keep the current phone longer or pick a midrange model. Anyone eyeing the Pixel 12 may want to start saving now.