Samsung to Maintain Price of 'Galaxy S22 Ultra' While Possibly Lowering Memory Specs?

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] As Samsung Electronics prepares for the global unpacking of its next-generation flagship smartphone, the ‘Galaxy S22’ series, next month, there are speculations that the highest-end ‘Ultra’ model may lower its memory specifications instead of raising the price.

On the 23rd (local time), IT specialist media PhoneArena, citing IT tipster Roland Quandt, revealed the expected prices for the S22 series in the European region.

According to the disclosed expected prices, the Galaxy S22 base model is expected to be priced at 849 euros (about 1.15 million KRW), the same as its predecessor, the ‘Galaxy S21.’ The Plus model is expected to start at 1,049 euros (about 1.42 million KRW), and the Ultra model from 1,249 euros (about 1.69 million KRW).

However, for the Ultra model, the base model starting at 1,249 euros is expected to be equipped with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal memory, which has led to criticism that this effectively means a price increase. The predecessor, the ‘Galaxy S21 Ultra,’ was released with a base of 12GB RAM and 128GB internal memory, going up to 16GB RAM and 512GB internal memory.

The upcoming S22 Ultra is expected to feature 8GB or 12GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB internal memory, and the much-anticipated 1TB model is unlikely to be released. The base and Plus models are expected to come with 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB internal memory.

Last year, Samsung Electronics set the price of the S21 base model below 1 million KRW to overcome the crisis caused by weakened consumer sentiment due to the spread of COVID-19 and a decline in flagship model sales. However, this year, with the global parts supply shortage prolonging, manufacturing costs have risen, making price adjustments inevitable. As a result, it is interpreted that Samsung is considering freezing the price for the base model, which has a high consumer resistance to price increases.

According to industry sources, Samsung Electronics is expected to hold the Galaxy Unpack event online in the second week of next month to unveil the Galaxy S22 series. Invitations are scheduled to be sent out within this month, with the exact event date likely to be February 9, although it may change depending on marketing circumstances.

Meanwhile, on the 21st, Samsung Electronics MX Division President (CEO) Notae Moon previewed the new Galaxy S series in a contributed article, stating, “We have gathered the best mobile experiences,” and “It will be the most notable product among all Galaxy S series to date.”