Samsung Galaxy S26 Records 29% Higher Sales Than S25 in First 3 Weeks
Samsung's Galaxy S26 series recorded 29% higher sales compared to the Galaxy S25 during their respective first three weeks after launch, according to a Counterpoint Research report published on April 21, 2026. The Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB emerged as the top choice, with 71% of buyers selecting the most premium model in the lineup.
Why Did the Galaxy S26 Ultra Dominate Sales?
A remarkable 71% of Galaxy S26 buyers chose the Ultra model priced at USD 1,300 (approximately RM5,600), according to Counterpoint Research. A significant migration from the Plus tier to Ultra was driven by aggressive promotional packages from US carriers including AT&T and T-Mobile.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a 200MP camera system that attracts users seeking top-tier performance. Its 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display further adds to its appeal.
How Is the Global Smartphone Market Performing in 2026?
Despite challenges with RAM and storage supply, the global smartphone market recorded 5% growth compared to 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. Consumers remain willing to invest in the latest flagships even as semiconductor component prices rise.
Industry analysts expect hardware prices may increase in the coming quarter due to global supply chain constraints. This factor may push some buyers to purchase earlier before prices climb.
Galaxy S26 vs S25 Sales Comparison
Aspect | Galaxy S26 (3 Weeks) | Galaxy S25 (3 Weeks) |
|---|---|---|
Sales growth | +29% vs S25 | Baseline |
Most popular model | S26 Ultra (71%) | S25 Ultra |
Overall market impact | +5% growth | β |
(Source: Counterpoint Research, April 2026)
What Does This Mean for Malaysian Buyers?
The global success of the Galaxy S26 shows Samsung continues to strengthen its position in the flagship segment. With high global demand and potential component price increases, users planning to upgrade may want to decide sooner rather than later.
In Malaysia, the Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB, Galaxy S26+ 256GB, and Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB are all available through official channels and JCL Credit installment plans.
