You can get Samsung's most expensive phone for half the price...but there's a catch

Samsung is shaking up the smartphone market by introducing an enticing offer for its Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Plus models. The South Korean tech giant has unveiled a new ownership initiative in India named "Galaxy Forever," allowing customers to acquire these flagship devices for just half of their retail price. However, there are important conditions to consider. Under the Galaxy Forever program, buyers initially pay only 50% of the device's price in 12 interest-free installments. As part of this deal, Samsung is also providing Samsung Care+ protection for 13 months, valued at Rs 13,999. This coverage includes protection against accidental and liquid damage, all at no extra cost. So what happens after the year is up? Users will have three choices to navigate their next steps. First, they can upgrade to the next-generation Galaxy S flagship directly through Samsung's website, but this option is limited to the 10th to 13th months after purchase. Alternatively, users may opt to finance the remaining balance through a new loan, utilizing 12 no-cost EMIs with a credit card during the same period. Lastly, there is the possibility of returning the device without any further payment, but this option also comes with a caveat: users will not own the phone, as they are essentially leasing it. If they choose to return the device, they will forfeit the 50% amount paid during the year. For those who decide to upgrade annually, this means they will continue to pay half of the new phone's price indefinitely, with the potential for annual price hikes on future models.