'February Launch Expected' Galaxy S22, Price Expected to Increase by $100

Supply Shortage of Semiconductor Components Due to COVID-19
Price Expected to Be Higher Than S21 Series

S22 Ultra rendering image. Photo by LetsGoDigital

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] The price of Samsung Electronics' next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S22 series, expected to be unveiled in early February, is predicted to be more than $100 higher than its predecessor.

On the 15th (local time), IT specialty media Tom's Guide compiled rumors about the S22 released so far and forecasted that the new model's price will be over $100 higher than the previous generation. The base model of the S22 is expected to be priced at $899 (approximately 1.06 million KRW), the S22 Plus at $1,099, and the S22 Ultra at $1,299.

This contrasts with the previous Galaxy S21 series, which targeted the mass market with reasonable pricing. The S21 base model (256GB) had a launch price of 999,900 KRW, boasting an affordable price point. The S21 Plus (256GB) was priced at 1,199,000 KRW, the S21 Ultra (256GB) at 1,452,000 KRW, and the S21 Ultra (512GB) at 1,599,400 KRW. These prices were about 150,000 to 250,000 KRW lower than the equivalent Galaxy S20 series models.

The impact of semiconductor component shortages caused by COVID-19 is believed to have affected smartphones as well. IT tipster KFC Simp said, "Samsung Electronics wanted to price the S22 series the same as the S21 released last year, but due to chip shortages, they had to raise the price by $100," adding, "The Galaxy S21 Fan Edition (FE) was also planned to be launched below $600 (approximately 710,000 KRW), but the chip shortage caused a $99 increase."

Whether the Ultra model in the S22 series will replace the 'Galaxy Note' is also a point of interest. At one time, it was speculated that the Note series with an integrated S Pen might be discontinued, but recently, there has been growing speculation that the Ultra model will replace the Note and be incorporated into the S series.

Specifications across all areas, including the camera, chipset, and design, are expected to be upgraded. Tom's Guide noted, "Since the iPhone 13 series already offers better image quality than the Galaxy S21, improvements in camera performance will be welcomed," and added, "The S22 will also have to compete with Google's Pixel 6 and the Galaxy S FE."

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics is scheduled to hold the Galaxy Unpacked (new product launch) event in the second week of next month to unveil the S22 series. The date is expected to be the 8th, with shipments anticipated to begin on the 24th of the same month.