Galaxy S26 Ultra $250 Off, Sony Debuts $650 ColleXion Headphones

Key Takeaways

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is now $250 off, bringing the 256GB model to $999
• Sony's WH-1000X The ColleXion marks 10 years of the 1000X series at $650
• Samsung's next foldables are expected July 22, making current Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 discounts worth considering

Summer deal season is here, and retailers are clearing inventory before Samsung's expected July foldable announcement. The Galaxy S26 Ultra leads this week's discounts at $250 off, while Sony enters the luxury audio conversation with a $650 commemorative headphone release.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Hits $999

Samsung's current flagship is now $250 cheaper than launch price. The 256GB Galaxy S26 Ultra drops to $999, a $50 improvement over last week's deal. If you've been waiting for a price break on Samsung's top phone, this is the deepest discount we've seen so far.

The timing makes sense. Samsung is already running One UI 9 beta testing based on Android 17 in the US, one of the few regions included in early access. The update promises accessibility improvements, new security features, and better Quick Panel controls.

“The S26 Ultra represents the pinnacle of our AI integration efforts, making high-end mobile photography accessible to everyone.”

— TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience at Samsung

Reddit's r/gadgets community is split on whether to buy now or wait. The expected July 22 foldable announcement could bring further S26 Ultra price drops, or it might not. Current buyers get a known quantity at a solid discount.

Samsung Foldables: Buy Now or Wait?

Samsung's next foldables are expected on July 22. That puts current Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 owners in an awkward spot, and potential buyers in a decent one.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 sits at $200 off, the same discount we saw two weeks ago and in early April. Not aggressive pricing for a phone about to be replaced. The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is more interesting. Launched at an ambitious $1,000 for 256GB, it's now $400 off. That makes Samsung's budget clamshell more competitive, even if it's flown under the radar since launch.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 carries a $350 discount, though that barely dents its premium price tag. If you're eyeing a large-format foldable, waiting a couple months might be wise. Rumors suggest Samsung is working on a Galaxy Z Wide that could better fit certain use cases.

Motorola's New Razrs Hit Shelves

Motorola's 2025 flip foldables moved from pre-order to general availability this week. The catch: supplies appear limited. Amazon shows only some color options as in stock.

Motorola US is sweetening deals with free Moto Buds 2 Plus and Moto Tags for direct purchasers. But if you're set on a Motorola clamshell, the 2024 Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 remains the better value pick. It's proven hardware at a lower price point.

Budget Picks: Galaxy A37 and OnePlus

Not everyone needs a $1,000 phone. The Samsung Galaxy A37 is $75 off this week, the same discount as before. Worth highlighting because this cheap phone won GSMArena's selfie video blind test, beating competition that cost six times more, including the S26 Ultra.

OnePlus offers modest $50 discounts on both the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R. Not dramatic savings, but these phones were already competitively priced. Nothing's Phone (4a) Pro also has $50 off, but only on the base 128GB model. At current prices, the Nothing Phone (3) offers better hardware for similar money.

Sony's $650 ColleXion Headphones Launch

Sony introduced the WH-1000X The ColleXion this week. Yes, it's pronounced "collection." The company is celebrating 10 years of its 1000X noise-canceling line with a premium-tier release.

The headphones carry a $650 price tag, which has audio enthusiasts on Reddit's r/headphones expressing sticker shock. Many praise the updated build quality and refined driver tuning while questioning whether the premium over the XM6 and XM5 is justified.

“We wanted to create a device that isn't just about specs, but about the tactile experience of listening to music as the artists intended.”

— Kenichiro Yoshida, CEO of Sony Group Corporation

If the ColleXion price is too steep, both the XM6 and XM5 are currently on sale. GSMArena has a review pair of the ColleXion in hand, with comparisons to previous generations coming soon.

This Week's Price Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra worth buying at $999?

At $250 off, it's the best price we've seen on Samsung's current flagship. If you don't need foldable form factors, this is a strong buy.

Should I wait for Samsung's July foldable announcement?

If you want the newest foldables, yes. Expected July 22 unveiling for the next Z Flip and Z Fold. Current models may drop further in price after.

Are the Sony ColleXion headphones worth $650?

Early impressions praise build quality and driver tuning, but the XM6 and XM5 offer similar performance at lower prices. Wait for full reviews.

Which budget Samsung phone should I buy?

The Galaxy A37 at $75 off punches above its weight, especially for selfie video. It beat phones costing six times more in blind testing.

Is the Motorola Razr 2025 available now?

Yes, but stock is limited. Check Motorola US directly for free Moto Buds 2 Plus and Moto Tags bundles.

Source: GSMArena.com / Peter