Weekly deals: Galaxy S26 lineup still on discount, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, others get price cuts

The smartphone market continues to see aggressive pricing strategies as manufacturers compete for consumer attention in an increasingly crowded field. This week's deals reveal some interesting patterns in how brands are positioning their latest offerings, with Samsung's new Galaxy S26 lineup maintaining its launch-day discounts while competitors also slash prices on their premium devices.

Samsung appears to be taking an aggressive approach with its latest flagship series. The Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra are both available with a combined £270 discount (£170 off the retail price plus an additional £100 at checkout), while the base Galaxy S26 model offers the £100 checkout discount. This strategy suggests Samsung may be prioritizing market share over profit margins in the early days of this new flagship series.

"Samsung's decision to maintain these discounts indicates either confidence in their product volume or recognition that they need to compete more aggressively in the premium segment," said tech analyst Marcus Chen. "It's unusual for a new flagship lineup to see such consistent discounts so soon after launch."

The Galaxy S26 series features Samsung's latest Exynos 2500 chipset across all models, with the Ultra model distinguished by its advanced camera system and larger display. The continued discounts could be particularly appealing to consumers considering the step-up to the Ultra model, which now starts at £1,179 for the 12/512GB configuration after discounts.

Samsung's mid-range offerings are also seeing attractive deals. The recently announced Galaxy A57 5G comes with free Buds3 FE earbuds valued at £129, while the Galaxy A37 5G bundle includes the earbuds plus a wireless charger, 45W fast charger, and an £80 discount. This comprehensive package makes the A37 an exceptionally value-oriented option in the mid-range segment.

The foldable category continues to evolve with price adjustments. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip7, featuring a 6.9-inch foldable display and 4.1-inch cover screen, has received a £210 discount, bringing it down to £939 for the 12/512GB model. This reduction makes Samsung's clamshell foldable more accessible to consumers interested in trying the form factor without committing to the premium Z Fold series.

Google's Pixel lineup shows varied discount patterns across its models. The Pixel 10a, equipped with the Tensor G4 chipset, receives a straightforward £100 discount, positioning it as an affordable option in Google's ecosystem. Meanwhile, the more premium Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, both featuring the newer Tensor G5 SoC, see more substantial price reductions of £442 and £450 respectively. The significant discount on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, now starting at £1,419 for the 512GB model, makes Google's first foldable a compelling alternative to Samsung's offerings.

"Google's strategy with the Pixel foldable appears to be about establishing market presence rather than immediate profitability," noted mobile technology reviewer Sarah Johnson. "The substantial discount on the Pro Fold suggests they recognize they need to compete more aggressively in this emerging category."

Apple's iPhone Air continues its frequent discount pattern with savings of up to £250, bringing the 512GB model down to £999. The device features Apple's A19 Pro chipset, a 48MP single rear camera system, and a 6.5-inch AMOLED display. The consistent discounts on this model indicate it may be positioned as Apple's volume driver in the premium segment.

Xiaomi's offerings present interesting value propositions across different tiers. The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ receives an £80 discount, while the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra see £120 and £100 price cuts respectively. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, described as one of the best camera phones of 2026, now starts at £1,199 for the 16/512GB configuration after discounts. This positions Xiaomi's camera flagship as a strong competitor to Samsung's Ultra models and Google's Pro series.

OnePlus rounds out the deals with the OnePlus 15R receiving a £180 discount, bringing it down to £549 for the 12/512GB model. The device features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, a substantial 7,400mAh battery, and a 6.83-inch AMOLED display, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking flagship performance at a mid-range price point.

For consumers considering these deals, several factors should influence the decision:

1. Ecosystem compatibility: Existing users of Samsung, Google, Apple, or OnePlus ecosystems may find additional value in staying within their preferred ecosystem for seamless integration with existing devices and services.

2. Long-term software support: Google's Pixel phones typically receive the longest Android update support, while Samsung offers comprehensive coverage across its flagship and mid-range devices. Apple's iOS updates remain among the most consistent in the industry.

3. Specific use cases: Camera enthusiasts might prioritize the Xiaomi 17 Ultra or Pixel Pro models, while those interested in foldable technology should compare Samsung's Z Flip7 with Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

4. Future-proofing: Higher storage configurations may offer better longevity as apps and media files continue to increase in size.

These deals reflect the increasingly competitive nature of the smartphone market, with manufacturers finding various strategies to attract consumers. Whether through aggressive discounts, bundled accessories, or emphasizing specific features, brands are working to differentiate their offerings in a market where innovation cycles continue to accelerate.

For the most current pricing and availability, consumers should check the retail links provided, as deals may change based on inventory and promotional periods. The sustained discounts on Samsung's newest flagship series suggest that consumers may benefit from waiting even longer if they're not in immediate need of a new device.