[EXCLUSIVE] Galaxy S22 prices to equal Galaxy S21

A promotional campaign is displayed in Times Square, New York, ahead of Galaxy Unpacked 2022 set for Feb. 9. [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

The price of the upcoming Galaxy S22 series will start from 999,000 won ($834) in Korea, according to a source in the telecom industry, the same exact price tag as the Galaxy S21 counterpart.

Samsung Electronics will announce the price range during its Unpacked event set for Feb. 9.

The source detailed that the standard Galaxy S22 will be retailed at 999,000 won for the lowest storage option, and the bigger Galaxy S22 Plus at 1.19 million won. The high range Galaxy S22 Ultra, which will likely come equipped with a stylus and advanced cameras, will be priced at 1.45 million won.

Sporting the same numbers in the last series, the 6.2-inch Galaxy S21 came with a 999,900-won price tag, the 6.7-inch Galaxy S21 Plus at 1.19 million won and the 6.8-inch Ultra at 1.45 million won.

The pricing of the Galaxy S21 was about 25 percent cheaper than the S20 as the manufacturer tried to boost its appeal.

Samsung Electronics appeared to be maintaining its strategy despite the surging prices of smartphones components — ranging from chips to displays.

The source said that early orders will be taken from Feb. 14 through 21, with the customers of the preorder being expected to receive their S22 between Feb. 22 and 25.

But given that Samsung’s latest smartphones, like the Galaxy Z Flip 3, experienced a delay in shipment, the schedule could be pushed back.

Tech tipsters including Jon Prosser suspect the date for the latest series’ availability could be delayed to March 11 for the S22 and S22 Plus. He expected the S22 Ultra to become available on Feb. 25.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]