Smartphone sales in the US increased 24% WoW and 3% YoY in the week of March 8-14, driven by new model launches, according to Counterpoint Research’s US Weekly Smartphone Sell-through Tracker. Launches of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series and iPhone 17e, along with the launch of the Google Pixel 10a a week prior, helped rejuvenate a weak smartphone market in March. In the three weeks following these new model launches, the US smartphone market grew 5% YoY.

Samsung was the main driver of market growth, as Galaxy S26 series sales grew 29% YoY through its first three calendar weeks of availability ending March 28. Samsung stated preorders were up nearly 25% across all channels in the US and that some retailers, such as Best Buy, saw double the preorder volume of the previous generation. The S26 series also saw strong in-store demand and supply after the official launch date. A later launch timing YoY for the series led to increased anticipation for the launch and a higher initial upgrade rate. The device also launched on a Wednesday in 2026 instead of a Friday, which pulled an additional two days of in-store sales into it’s first three calendar weeks, lifting volumes slightly.

Samsung Galaxy S Series Model Mix in First 3 Calendar Weeks of Sales, 2026 vs 2025

The Ultra model contributed nearly 71% of Galaxy S-series sales through the first three calendar weeks of sales, up from 61% in 2025. Price increases for the base and Plus models have driven more buyers to the Ultra this year. The Ultra’s new Privacy Display feature has also been received well by customers. It has a clear and immediate use case that is not available elsewhere, making it a good differentiating factor. The Ultra has also seen the biggest improvement in promotions YoY, with AT&T offering it for free with a trade-in and T-Mobile offering it for free with a trade-in or a new line since launch, according to Counterpoint’s US Weekly Smartphone Promotions Tracker. Last year, AT&T was the only one to offer the device for free within the first month of sales. Early indications are that the series is doing well within T-Mobile, which is likely due to these stronger promotions on the Ultra. Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T are also offering trade-in and new-line discounts for a free S26 or S26 Plus.

Sales of the iPhone 17e increased 15% YoY through its first three calendar weeks of availability compared to the iPhone 16e. Initial expectations for the iPhone 17e were that sales would be softer compared to the 16e launch in 2025. However, due to upgrades to charging, processor, camera and increased storage with consistent pricing, the iPhone 17e was able to differentiate itself from the predecessor. The iPhone 17e launched on a Wednesday this year instead of Friday, so it also saw a lift in sales volume due to having two additional in-store sales days in its first three weeks of availability compared to the iPhone 16e. Strong promotions helped boost 17e sales, as T-Mobile, Verizon, Spectrum and Xfinity offered the device for free with trade-in or new-line discounts. Following the launch of the 17e, the iPhone 16e is likely to become the top prepaid seller for Apple in 2026 as promotions are continually reduced on other models like the iPhone 13 and 15. The 16e has seen improved promotions in prepaid, with Cricket beginning to offer it for free in March with its $60 plan.

 About Counterpoint Research

Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm specializing in products across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients – from smartphone OEMs to chipmakers and channel players to Big Tech – through our offices located in the world's major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers. Our analyst team, led by seasoned experts, engages with stakeholders across the enterprise – from the C-suite to professionals in strategy, analyst relations (AR), market intelligence (MI), business intelligence (BI), product and marketing – to deliver services spanning market data, industry thought leadership and consulting. Our core areas of coverage include AI, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks and Infrastructure, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables. Visit our Insights page to explore our publicly available market data, insights and thought leadership, and to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation.

Follow Counterpoint Research

Twitter
LinkedIn