Samsung Galaxy S26 Sales Jump 13% in First Six Weeks
- The Samsung Galaxy S26 series recorded 13% higher sales during its first six weeks after launch as compared with the Galaxy S25 series a year ago. During this period, Samsung’s overall smartphone sales also increased 5% YoY globally, contrasting with Chinese brands that continue to struggle.
- The Galaxy S26’s weak performance in China and Japan was offset by strong sales in developed markets such as the US and South Korea, enabling the series to achieve solid double-digit percentage growth.
- However, as a reversal in sales was observed in the sixth week after launch, questions remain over whether the Galaxy S26 series can sustain its early momentum going forward.
Seoul, Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Fort Collins, Hong Kong, London, New Delhi, Taipei, Tokyo – May 15, 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series’ cumulative sales during the first six weeks following launch was 15% higher than that of the Galaxy S25 series during the same period last year. During the 2026 period, Samsung’s cumulative smartphone sales also increased by 5% compared with the initial launch period of the Galaxy S25 series, demonstrating stable demand at the brand level. This contrasted with major Chinese brands, which continue to perform weakly.
Samsung Weekly Sales Around Galaxy S25 and S26 Launch
Note: Availability Week 1 of Galaxy S25 series: Feb 2 – Feb 8; The Galaxy S25 series launched on February.
Availability Week 1 of Galaxy S26 series: Mar 8 – Mar 14; The Galaxy S26 series launched on March 11.
The Galaxy S26 series’ sales performance varied by region. In developed markets such as the US and South Korea, the lineup recorded solid double-digit percentage growth, reflecting robust early demand. This helped offset the weakness in China and Japan where demand for the new series was weaker than that of the previous generation. Overall, the series achieved robust global sales during the initial launch period.
Associate Director Sujeong Lim commented, “The Galaxy S26 series performed strongly in premium markets characterized by high-income consumers, carrier-driven sales channels, and strong consumer receptiveness to AI features. In contrast, performance was relatively weaker in markets that are more price-sensitive, dominated by open-market sales, and heavily influenced by local ecosystems.” Lim also noted: “However, as sales reversed in the sixth week after launch, questions are being raised about whether the Galaxy S26 series can sustain its initial momentum going forward.”
Associate Director Jan Stryjak, who oversees the European market, added, “Galaxy S26 series’ strong sales momentum through the first four weeks of sales in Europe was driven by the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which accounted for the highest share within Samsung’s S series portfolio ever in the region. Thanks to no price increase versus the S25 Ultra and featuring the impressive Privacy Display, sales of the flagship smartphone increased significantly compared to the previous generation. However, although sales of the S26 series remain slightly ahead of the S25 through week six of availability in Europe, the deteriorating macro climate as a result of the Middle East Conflict is starting to take its toll. It will be important to watch over the next two to three weeks to see if the Galaxy S26 Ultra can maintain its popularity in the region.”
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Author
Sujeong Lim
Sujeong Lim is a Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research based out of Seoul Korea. In Counterpoint, she focuses on mobile ICT industry and mobile device research, especially dedicated on the Korea mobile market. After 10+ years product marketing experience during her working period, she joined Counterpoint to pursue her interest in IoT and emerging future technology.
Jan Stryjak
Jan is an Associate Director with Counterpoint Research, based in London, and leads the company’s European and Sustainability research. He is a seasoned analyst with over 17 years’ experience in the TMT sector, previously with GSMA Intelligence where he led a team of analysts producing highly impactful regional insights. Before that, Jan held strategy and analyst positions at Vodafone UK and Qualcomm respectively, and started his career with research firm TNS (now Kantar).