Samsung's Galaxy S26 series opened 15% stronger than the Galaxy S25 in its first six weeks, with overall Samsung smartphone sales climbing 5%, according to Counterpoint Research. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is driving most demand, accounting for around 70% of pre-orders thanks to exclusive features and upgraded AI tools, particularly in the U.S. and South Korea.

However, Samsung's momentum may already be cooling after week six as higher prices push buyers away. The company raised prices of some Galaxy S26 models by $100 in certain regions, citing memory costs and supply chain pressures. Samsung is reportedly in "crisis mode" for parts of its device business as margins shrink amid rising production costs.

While the Galaxy S26 series shows stronger initial performance than its predecessor, the hardware improvements haven't been dramatic. Samsung faces a challenging market with weaker consumer spending and slower upgrade cycles. The company's ecosystem strength remains an advantage, but rising prices without substantial innovation could eventually deter upgrades as consumers question the value proposition.