The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is officially just weeks away. Leaks from Evan Blass and Ice Universe have confirmed the global “Galaxy Unpacked” event for February 25, 2026.
But for Pakistanis, the excitement comes with a heavy dose of financial anxiety. Here is everything we know about the phone that is about to break the half-million rupee barrier.
1. Samsung Galaxy S26 Price: Crossing the Half-Million Mark
Let’s do the math. The global price is expected to stay at $1,299 (same as last year). However, with the Dollar-to-PKR rate currently fluctuating and import duties at an all-time high, the estimated launch price in Pakistan is terrifying.
- Expected Price: PKR 580,000 – 620,000 (for the 512GB variant).
- The Installment Trap: Just like the iPhone 17, expect banks to offer “3-Year Plans” that will eventually cost you over 8 Lakh.
2. The “Privacy Screen” (The Killer Feature)
Why buy it? Apart from the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, the biggest hype is around the hardware-level Privacy Screen.
- What is it? You know those cheap plastic screen protectors that make your screen black from the side? Samsung has built this inside the display.
- How it works: You can toggle a “Privacy Mode” in the quick settings. Once on, the person sitting next to you on the Metro Bus or in a meeting sees a black screen, but you see it perfectly.
3. The PTA Tax Rumors (Don’t Believe Them Yet)
There is a video trending on Pakistani YouTube claiming “PTA Tax Dropped for 2026!” This is Misleading. While the FBR has proposed a tax review for 2026, no official notification has been signed as of today (Feb 6).
- Current PTA Tax (Estimate): If you import an S26 Ultra today, the tax on CNIC will likely be PKR 160,000 – 185,000.
- Advice: Do NOT buy a “Non-PTA” unit expecting the tax to drop next month. You might end up with a very expensive Wi-Fi tablet.
4. Launch Date in Pakistan
- Global Event: Feb 25, 2026.
- Pakistan Pre-orders: Likely to start March 1, 2026.
- In Stores: Mid-March.
Verdict
The S26 Ultra looks incredible, especially if you value privacy and the S-Pen. But at PKR 600,000, it is no longer just a phone; it is an asset class. Unless you are a CEO or a tech content creator, sticking with your S24 Ultra (which is still a beast) might be the smartest financial move of the year.
Will you upgrade to the S26 Ultra, or is the price too insane? Let me know in the comments!