The Galaxy S26 series is all set to be revealed next Wednesday, February 25th, but I just noticed something that could give us a little peek at the upcoming preorder deals.
For starters, my credentials: I’ve been writing about Android devices almost exclusively since early 2022, which means the S26 launch will be my fifth time covering the unveiling of a Samsung flagship phone. Over the years, I’ve noticed a trend of how Samsung handles preorder deals, and I have a pretty good idea of what to expect when the phones officially go on sale next week.
What Galaxy S26 preorder deals should I expect?
Now, I’ve already covered the Galaxy Reserve program that guarantees you “up to $900 off the next Galaxy device”. All you need to do is add your name and email address and Samsung will hook you up with up to $900 of trade-in credit, plus a free $30 credit when the phones go live next week.
What Samsung doesn’t tell you is that the Reserve Program’s trade-in offer generally becomes available to the public once the phones are revealed. In other words, the Galaxy Reserve program gives you first dibs on Samsung’s upcoming preorder promotion, and all you need is your name and email address.
But the really interesting thing is that Samsung.com isn’t the only site that’s been advertising the Galaxy Reserve program this year. Best Buy has also begun promoting its own Galaxy initiative, but this time it’s advertising $1,100 of potential trade-in credit, rather than Samsung’s $900.
Assuming Best Buy follows Samsung’s lead by continuing the Reserve benefits past the reveal of the devices, did the retailer just give us a sneak peek at its upcoming S26 preorder deal?
For a little context, when these phones come out, retailers like Amazon and Best Buy tend to offer trade-in credit with a free storage upgrade and usually a gift card. This little preview from Best Buy has led me to believe that the retailer is going to be offering up to $1,100 of trade-in credit with all Galaxy S26 preorders starting February 25th.
You can also expect to see a free storage upgrade with all devices, and if we’re lucky, a $100 gift card as well. If other retailers run the same offer as Best Buy — which they usually do — then $1,100 might be the magic number for potential trade-in opportunities this year.
Other S26 preorder deals to watch out for
In addition to Best Buy and Samsung’s offers, you can expect plenty of great S26 preorder deals from retailers and wireless carriers alike. Assuming it sticks with tradition, Amazon is almost certain to offer free gift cards and storage upgrades, while carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile are likely to give out free Galaxy S26 phones when you process a trade-in or add a line with an eligible data plan.
Needless to say, I’ll be personally sharing all of the best S26 preorder deals as they go live next week, so be sure to bookmark Android Central for all of your Samsung Galaxy needs.
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