Samsung has launched a new smartphone ownership programme in India that halves the upfront cost of its latest flagship handsets for the first year.
Called Galaxy Forever, the scheme covers the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Plus. Buyers pay 50% of the handset price over 12 no-cost monthly instalments, along with a separate monthly programme fee. After 12 months, they can return the phone under an assured 50% buyback, keep it and pay the remaining balance, or move to the next Galaxy flagship model.
The launch comes as premium smartphone prices continue to rise and brands look for new ways to attract buyers in a market where financing plans and upgrade schemes are becoming more common. Samsung is targeting consumers who want regular access to high-end devices without paying the full purchase price upfront.
Galaxy Forever is available through Samsung's online store and more than 1,500 Samsung Experience Stores across India. It is also available to selected corporate employees and students through Samsung's Corporate+ and Student+ online stores.
How it works
For the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which starts at INR 1,39,999, the monthly device instalment is INR 5,833.29. The Galaxy Forever programme fee is INR 749.92 a month, taking the total monthly payment to INR 6,583.21.
The Galaxy S26 Plus starts at INR 1,19,999. Its monthly device instalment is INR 4,999.96. With the same INR 749.92 programme fee, the total monthly payment is INR 5,749.88.
Samsung Care+ is bundled with the package for 13 months. It includes accidental and liquid damage protection with zero deductibles. Samsung values the cover at INR 13,999.
The rules vary by payment method. Customers using a credit card can return the device after one year and receive the assured 50% buyback, or keep it and pay the remaining 50% through another 12 no-cost monthly instalments. Those using Samsung Finance+ can return the phone and upgrade to the next flagship model. If they choose to keep the handset, they must pay the remaining 50% in the 13th month.
Partners involved
Servify and DMI Finance are part of the programme structure and will handle upgrades, returns and automated settlement.
The offer is available on Samsung.com and in Samsung Experience Stores for Samsung Finance+ users. Credit card no-cost EMI is available only on Samsung.com.
The programme marks a shift in how Samsung is selling its top-end handsets in India. Rather than relying only on outright purchases or standard instalment plans, it is introducing a structured one-year ownership cycle with a pre-set exit route.
That approach mirrors parts of the automotive and consumer electronics markets, where buyback guarantees and upgrade options have been used to lower the barrier to premium purchases. In smartphones, such programmes can also encourage faster replacement cycles and keep users within a single brand's device portfolio.
Samsung framed the launch around demand for premium devices and changing consumer preferences in India. Some buyers, it said, want the latest flagship phone but also a predictable way to switch again after a year.
"With Galaxy Forever, we are introducing a customer-first ownership model that makes our flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Plus more accessible to Indian consumers. The programme has been designed based on the insight that consumers want to own the latest technology while enjoying a hassle-free option to upgrade year after year. Galaxy Forever reflects our commitment to innovation - not only in technology but also in how users own and upgrade to the latest Galaxy devices," said Sumit Walia, Vice President, Head of D2C Business & Corporate Marketing, Samsung India.
Wider push
Extending the programme to corporate employees and students broadens the target audience beyond traditional premium smartphone buyers. It also gives Samsung another route into workplace and education channels, where recurring upgrade plans may appeal to users seeking predictable monthly spending.
India remains a critical market for premium smartphone brands. Growth at the top end of the market has outpaced the broader handset segment in recent years, even as overall consumer spending has come under pressure. Financing and exchange offers have played a major role in that shift.
Samsung's latest scheme adds a formal return, retain or upgrade structure to that financing mix. Galaxy Forever is being rolled out across the company's digital and physical retail network in India.