1. The Galaxy S26 and S25 series are the best of the best.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is on its way. Samsung has been the best brand for Android users in Ethiopia for a long time. In 2026, that reputation is stronger than ever, thanks to the brand’s partnerships with local services like Telebirr and Safaricom M-Pesa and the fact that their screens are the most durable on the market.
The “Birr-to-Dollar” exchange rate and the release of new AI-heavy models like the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy A26, on the other hand, have made prices more flexible than ever. This is what you need to know if you want to upgrade this month. For two all over the world in late February 2026, and the tech world is buzzing about it. The S25, which came out before this one, is still a top-tier powerhouse, even though it just came out in Addis Ababa.
| Model | Estimated Price (New) | Main Feature |
| Ultra Galaxy S26 | ETB 195,000–215,000 | 200MP f/1.4 Camera and 16GB of RAM |
| S25 Ultra Galaxy | 170,000 to 185,000 ETB | Titanium Frame and Galaxy AI |
| S25+ Galaxy | 145,000 to 155,000 ETB | Dynamic AMOLED with a 6.7-inch screen |
| Galaxy S25 (Basic) | 120,000 to 130,000 ETB | Small but powerful |
Pro Tip: If you want the “Ultra” experience without the 200k price tag, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is currently the best “used” flagship value in Ethiopia, often found for around 85,000 – 95,000 ETB.
2. The Galaxy A56 and A36 are high-performance mid-range phones.
The A-series is the “sweet spot” for most professionals in Ethiopia. These phones have 5G, are water-resistant, and have great cameras, and they don’t cost as much as a used car.
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Galaxy A56 5G (New for 2026): 55,000 to 65,000 ETB
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The Galaxy A36 5G costs between 42,000 and 48,000 ETB.
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Galaxy A26 5G: 32,000–38,000 ETB
Ethiopian content creators love the Galaxy A56 because its camera software does a better job of processing “Habesha skin tone” and its battery lasts a long time (5,000 mAh).
3. The Galaxy A17 and A07 are the best buys.
To compete with brands like Tecno and Infinix, Samsung has put more money into the budget market. The Galaxy A07 5G, which came out just a few weeks ago, is the first “affordable” AI phone in Ethiopia.
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The Galaxy A17 5G (128GB) costs between 24,000 and 29,000 ETB.
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Galaxy A16 (LTE/5G): 19,000 to 23,000 ETB
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15,000–18,500 ETB for the Galaxy A07 5G
The A07 5G is a game-changer for students because it comes with six years of security updates. This means that your phone won’t become “slow” or “outdated” by the time you graduate.
4. Why the prices of Samsung phones are so different in Ethiopia
You might find the same phone for 30,000 ETB in one store and 35,000 ETB in another. This is why:
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VAT and Customs: VAT and official warranties are included with purchases from official retailers like Ethio Telecom service centers or authorized Samsung dealers. Small “Mobile Tera” stores may have lower prices, but they usually only offer a “store warranty” that lasts for 1 to 7 days.
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The “Global” and “Middle East” Versions: Always check the box. Most people prefer the “Global Version” because it has cleaner software and works better with Safaricom’s 5G bands.
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The Dollar Factor: Prices can change every week because most phones are made in other countries and sold in the US. Prices will go up overnight if the Birr gets weaker.
5. How to Get Your Samsung for Less in 2026
A. Get “Renewed” or “Open Box”
Look at Telegram channels like Addis Market or Jiji Ethiopia. You can often find “open box” Samsung S24s, which are phones that were barely used, for 30% less than new ones.
B. Programs for Trade-Ins
More stores in Megenagna and Bole will take trade-ins in 2026. You can trade in your old Galaxy A51 and pay the difference for a new A56. It’s a great way to get rid of old tech and save money.
C. The “Ethio Telecom” Package
Find out if Ethio Telecom is having a sale. If you buy a Samsung from them, they often throw in free 5G data packages for six months. This can save you a lot of money on your internet bill.
6. Final Decision: Which One Should You Get?
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The Businessman: Get the Galaxy S26 Ultra. You can use it as an office on the go for 4 to 5 years.
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The University Student: In 2026, the Galaxy A07 5G is the best deal.
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The Galaxy A56 5G or S25 FE has the best camera for your TikTok and Instagram Reels.
In Ethiopia, buying a Samsung is an investment. The initial price may be higher than that of some competitors, but the high resale value and the fact that you can find a repair shop in almost any town from Jimma to Mekelle make it a smart choice.
