The Galaxy S26 Ultra ranked first in global Android phone sales in the second quarter of 2026. Based on Counterpoint Research’s model-level sales data, this was the first time an ultra-premium smartphone topped Android sales in the second quarter.
However, this does not mean it was the best-selling smartphone overall. In the global ranking across all smartphones, it placed fourth after the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Pro. The ranking also reflects actual sales based on sell-through, not shipments or revenue.
The Delayed Launch Affected Second-Quarter Sales
Counterpoint Research analyzed that sales shifted more heavily into the second quarter of 2026 because the Galaxy S26 series launched later than its predecessor. The Galaxy S26 Ultra recorded higher sales than its predecessor and accounted for more than half of Galaxy S26 series sales in 2026.
The key point is not that it ranked first overall, but that a high-priced ultra-premium Android phone ranked first in Android sales for the quarter.
In the same Counterpoint data, the combined share of the top 10 models was 26% of total sales. This result therefore shows both the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s relative position and the concentration of sales among the market’s leading models.
What Is Privacy Display?
Samsung Electronics officially announced the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, stating that the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduced a built-in Privacy Display for mobile devices. The feature allows the screen to remain visible from the front while appearing dark from the side.
According to Samsung’s official support documentation, Privacy Display makes the screen content difficult to view from side angles and can be selectively applied to certain apps, password-entry screens, notifications, and more.
The Relationship Between the Sales Ranking and the Feature Requires Verification
Counterpoint’s data does not establish a causal relationship showing that Privacy Display directly caused the Galaxy S26 Ultra to rank first in sales. The confirmed facts are the sales ranking and how the feature works; a direct causal relationship between the two has not been separately demonstrated.
Sources and verification date:
- Counterpoint Research, “Global Smartphone Sales, Top 10 Best Sellers,” accessed August 27, 2026: https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/global-smartphone-sales-top-10-best-sellers
- Samsung Electronics official support document, “Use Privacy display on your Galaxy S26 Ultra,” accessed August 27, 2026: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10010349/
- Samsung official YouTube, “Introducing Galaxy S26 Ultra | Galaxy AI | Samsung,” accessed August 27, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gYqEi8-am4
- 9to5Google, “Galaxy S26 Ultra is the world’s most popular Android phone, and that’s a first,” accessed August 27, 2026: https://9to5google.com/2026/08/26/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-best-selling-android-phone-q2-2026/
- Android Authority, “The Galaxy S26 Ultra just achieved a first for Android phone sales,” accessed August 27, 2026: https://www.androidauthority.com/best-selling-android-phone-q2-2026-3703124/