Counterpoint Research's Q2 2026 report shows the Galaxy S26 Ultra became the best-selling Android phone, a first for a premium device. Senior analyst Harshit Rastogi noted this "marks the first time an ultra-premium Android device has led Android sales in a June quarter." The phone outperformed the S25 Ultra and accounted for over half of the series' sales.

Despite this milestone, Apple's iPhone 17 took the top spot globally, followed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max and 17 Pro. The Galaxy S26 Ultra ranked fourth, with the mid-range Galaxy A07 in fifth. Apple and Samsung together hold 26% of global smartphone sales, up 2% year-over-year.

Android Central highlights the S26 Ultra's standout Privacy Display, noting it beat Samsung's Galaxy AI series phones, which are typically the top Android sellers due to lower prices. The Galaxy A series costs $200 to $500 less than the S Ultra.

Omdia's July report also showed Samsung and Apple grew 2% and 4% in Q2, despite a 4% global market dip blamed on the memory crisis. Principal analyst Runar Bjorhovde expects "sharpest volume decline" in Q3 and Q4, with constrained memory chip supply affecting holiday sales.