Samsung Galaxy S26 Drops Up to €500, iPhone Air Hits €850

Key Takeaways

• Samsung Galaxy S26+ 512GB drops €500 to under €1,000
• iPhone Air 256GB now €850, down €40 from last week
• iPhone 17e gets €50 discount for budget Apple shoppers

Samsung Cuts Prices Ahead of Foldable Season

We're halfway through 2026, and Samsung is doing what Samsung does: clearing the decks for its next foldables. That means the Galaxy S26 series is getting aggressive discounts across European retailers.

The pattern is consistent across all three S26 models. Buy the 256GB version and you get a straight discount. Opt for the 512GB and you get a discount plus a voucher. The base Galaxy S26 is €165 off, and this year's model finally starts at 256GB storage instead of the 128GB that plagued previous generations.

Galaxy S26+ Gets the Biggest Cut

The real headline is the Galaxy S26+ 512GB. It's €500 off, with a small voucher stacked on top. That brings it under €1,000.

Was the S26+ 512GB ever worth its €1,450 MSRP? That's debatable. But at sub-€1,000 pricing, the value proposition changes. You're getting Samsung's flagship display, camera system, and performance for midrange money.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra follows a different discount structure. The 256GB version has a bigger discount than the 512GB model, which sees a cumulative €300 price cut. If you want maximum storage on the Ultra, the savings are more modest.

Apple's iPhone Air Keeps Dropping

Apple's ultra-thin iPhone Air is also seeing movement. Last week, the 256GB model was €890. It's now €850, another €40 off. The 512GB model hasn't budged.

The Air is Apple's thinnest iPhone and surprisingly light for its 6.5-inch display. But if you prefer a smaller phone, the iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch screen and costs the same as the Air in the 256GB configuration. Same price, different priorities.

The iPhone 17 was Q1's best-selling phone globally, just as the iPhone 16 was the year before. Market validation doesn't guarantee it's right for you, but it suggests Apple's mainstream formula keeps working.

Budget iPhone Option: The 17e

For the cheapest current-gen iPhone, the iPhone 17e now has a €50 discount. It's still an iPhone by Apple's standards, which means it's not cheap by anyone else's.

The tradeoffs are visible. The 6.1-inch screen still has that notch. The single rear camera won't win any photography awards. But under the hood, you get the same Apple A19 chip with 8GB of RAM as the iPhone 17. Battery life is essentially identical too.

Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Samsung's discounts signal the midyear lull before new foldables arrive. If you want a traditional slab phone, this is when prices hit their floor. The S26+ at under €1,000 is the standout deal.

Apple's discounts are smaller and less predictable. The iPhone Air's €40 drop suggests retailers are testing the market, not clearing inventory. If you're eyeing Apple hardware, these prices may hold or creep lower through summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Samsung Galaxy S26+ discount?

The Galaxy S26+ 512GB is €500 off, bringing it under €1,000. There's also a small voucher included.

Is the iPhone Air cheaper than the iPhone 17?

No. Both the iPhone Air 256GB and iPhone 17 256GB cost the same right now. The Air is thinner with a larger screen, while the 17 is more compact.

What's the cheapest new iPhone available?

The iPhone 17e is Apple's budget option, now with a €50 discount. It has the same A19 chip and 8GB RAM as the iPhone 17.

Why is Samsung discounting the Galaxy S26 now?

Samsung typically shifts focus to its Z-foldable lineup in the second half of the year. These discounts clear S26 inventory before new products launch.

Source: GSMArena.com / Peter