Samsung has now locked in the date for its next big phone launch. The company will host its next Unpacked event on February 25, 2026 in San Francisco. Samsung will stream the show live starting at 10 a.m. Pacific Time and 1 p.m. Eastern Time. In the United Arab Emirates, that lines up with 10 p.m. Dubai time on February 25. Samsung also confirmed early buyer perks tied to a “reserve now, pre-order later” flow, including a $30 credit, a chance to win a $5,000 gift card, up to $900 in extra savings with a trade-in, and a $150 credit option that does not require a trade-in. (Samsung Global Newsroom)
The headline item for most people will be the Galaxy S26 lineup, with the Ultra model as the usual spotlight phone. Samsung did not publish full device specs in the announcement. The message stays focused on the launch date and on what the company calls the next phase of Galaxy AI. Samsung frames Galaxy AI as built-in artificial intelligence features that aim to reduce friction in daily phone use. You can expect Samsung to spend a lot of stage time on those tools, plus the usual camera and performance highlights.
What the early buyer bonuses look like in plain terms
Samsung’s early offer works like this.
You register your interest now. Samsung calls it a reservation. You do not pay a deposit in the US offer. Later, when pre-orders open, you place your order using the same email address. Samsung then applies the bonus linked to that reservation.
That structure matters because it tells you what Samsung wants. The company wants a clean list of interested buyers before the show even starts. It also gives Samsung a way to push accessories at the exact moment you buy the phone.
Here are the bonuses Samsung put front and center for this launch window.
The $30 pre-order credit
Samsung offers a $30 credit during the pre-order period. Samsung does not position this credit as a discount on the phone itself. The credit targets add-ons such as cases, chargers, earbuds, or watches. That detail sounds small, but it shapes the real value. If you planned to buy a case and a charger anyway, the credit helps. If you only want the phone, the credit does not change the phone price.
Samsung also ties the credit to a few rules. Samsung limits it to one per qualifying purchase. Samsung requires you to use the same email address you used for the reservation. Samsung applies it during checkout at pre-order time. Samsung removes it if you cancel or return the order. (Samsung pl)
Trade-in savings up to $900
Samsung also pushes trade-in savings as a headline perk. Trade-in deals work best when you already own a recent flagship phone in good condition. You ship your old device to Samsung after you place the order. Samsung then checks the device condition. Samsung applies the credit when the trade-in meets the eligibility rules.
The number that grabs attention is “up to $900.” Treat that phrase with care. The top figure usually requires a specific set of devices in a specific condition. Cracks, swelling batteries, missing parts, or activation locks can cut the value fast. The offer still can help a lot, but the top value rarely applies to everyone.
A $150 credit option with no trade-in
Samsung also mentioned a $150 credit path that does not require a trade-in, as long as you reserve and then pre-order through Samsung. This kind of offer often targets buyers who prefer to keep their old phone as a backup, or buyers whose old phone has low trade-in value. It also helps people who sell their old device privately.
This credit may come with terms around where you can use it, and what products qualify. Samsung tends to attach rules to credits the same way it does for accessory credits. The company usually expects you to use the credit during the pre-order checkout window.
The $5,000 gift card sweepstakes
Samsung also attaches a sweepstakes entry to the reservation flow. The prize is a $5,000 gift card for Samsung’s online store. This part does not change the value for most buyers, but it does add a reason to register early.
If you care about the sweepstakes terms, look closely at eligibility rules and timing. Samsung typically limits sweepstakes by location and age. Samsung also sets a deadline for entry.
Why Samsung pushes reservations before the launch
This reservation playbook does more than build hype.
It helps demand planning. A big early reservation number gives Samsung a clearer signal about which models and colors may move fastest. That helps supply planning, and it helps retail partners prepare promotions.
It pulls buyers into the ecosystem. Samsung does not want a one-item cart. Samsung wants earbuds, a watch, and a case on the same invoice. A small credit nudges that behavior.
It reduces last-minute comparison shopping. When someone registers interest, that person starts to feel invested. That reduces the chance they switch brands a day later when they see a competing offer.
None of this makes the offers bad. It just explains why they exist.
What this reveal date says about the launch timeline
Samsung’s choice of February 25 places the Galaxy S26 cycle in a late-February launch moment. That timing often leads to fast pre-orders right after the show. Samsung usually opens the order window the same day or within a day. Samsung then starts shipping within the next couple of weeks.
Samsung has not confirmed shipping dates or store availability in the announcement. Samsung plans to announce the on-sale date during the event. Until Samsung gives that detail, treat any exact delivery date you see elsewhere as an estimate.
What buyers should do before pre-orders open
You do not need a long checklist. A few practical steps can save money and avoid headaches.
1) Decide whether you will trade in
If you plan to trade in, check your phone now.
- Look for cracks in the front glass and camera glass
- Test buttons, speakers, and charging
- Confirm the screen has no dead areas
- Make sure you can remove accounts and turn off activation locks
A clean trade-in process depends on condition and on clean software sign-out steps.
If you do not want to trade in, decide whether you will keep your old phone, give it to family, or sell it privately. That choice affects whether a trade-in offer even matters.
2) Price out the accessories you actually need
The $30 credit only helps if you planned to buy extras. Pick two or three items you truly will use. A case and a screen protector feel boring, but they protect a device that costs a lot. A fast charger helps if you travel. Earbuds help if you do calls or commute.
Avoid adding items only because the cart shows a credit. You can burn money that way.
3) Back up your data and clean your old phone
If you trade in, you will wipe the old phone. Back up photos, messages, and files first. Confirm the backup works. Then sign out of accounts. Then reset the phone.
A missed sign-out can cause trade-in delays. It can also cause the trade-in credit to drop.
4) Choose storage with your habits in mind
Many Ultra buyers pick higher storage because they shoot more photos and videos. If you record a lot, storage fills fast. If you use cloud storage for everything, you may not need the biggest option.
This decision also ties into early deals. Samsung sometimes bundles storage upgrades in some markets, but Samsung has not confirmed a storage upgrade in the core announcement. Focus on confirmed bonuses, then adjust when pre-orders open.
What to expect on the day of the event
Samsung will likely run the show in a familiar rhythm.
- A big opening focused on Galaxy AI features and daily use
- Camera upgrades and photo tools
- Performance and battery claims
- New software features tied to the latest One UI release
- Pricing, pre-order dates, and carrier promos
Samsung also hinted at broader “Galaxy innovations,” so the show may include ecosystem updates alongside phones. The reservation page also references Galaxy Buds in its schedule section, so audio products may get stage time as well.
The simple takeaway
Samsung set the date. Samsung also attached real incentives for people who register early and pre-order through its own store. The biggest value will come from trade-in savings and from credits you can actually use during checkout. The reveal happens on February 25, 2026, with the livestream starting at 10 p.m. Dubai time for viewers in the UAE.
If you want, tell me your current phone model and whether you prefer trade-in or keeping it. I can map out the most sensible way to use the bonuses without overbuying accessories.
