Samsung's Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus phones have seen a $100 price hike, which the company attributes to a combination of factors including a RAM crisis and rising material costs. This price increase comes despite the base model Galaxy S26 offering more storage than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25. The price hike has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether the additional features and innovations justify the cost increase. The RAM crisis, which is expected to persist until mid-next year, has significantly contributed to the higher price tag. However, other factors such as tariffs and rising material costs have also played a role. This perfect storm of factors has led to a situation where smartphone prices are unlikely to decrease anytime soon. The article also mentions the introduction of privacy displays and silicon-carbon batteries in the Galaxy S26, which could be additional factors influencing the price hike. The price increase has raised concerns among consumers, who may be hesitant to upgrade to the new models. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their thoughts on the price hike and the justification for the additional features in the comments section.