27 April 2026
Samsung’s cumulative smartphone sales from Week 1 to Week 13 of 2026 declined 6% year-over-year, according to Counterpoint Research’s Global Smartphone Weekly Sales Tracker — a decline driven entirely by the delayed launch of the Galaxy S26 series. But the picture changed quickly once the S26 arrived.
From Week 11 onward — the week the S26 launched — Samsung’s year-over-year decline began narrowing. By the end of the three-week launch window, Samsung had not only reversed the downswing but posted cumulative sales 4% ahead of the Galaxy S25 series over the same post-launch period in 2025. In the US, the gap was even wider: S26 series sales were 29% higher year-over-year compared to the S25 launch period.
For businesses that source refurbished Samsung phones wholesale, this trajectory carries direct implications. A stronger S26 launch cycle means accelerating upgrade activity — and a growing pipeline of prior-generation Galaxy devices entering the secondary market. At HK Refurbished Stock, we track these trends to help our partners position their inventory ahead of demand shifts.
The Pre-Launch Slump: How Deep Was the Decline?
The scale of Samsung’s pre-launch weakness matters for context. By Week 10 of 2026 — the week immediately before the Galaxy S26 launched — Samsung’s weekly sales had fallen to their lowest point of the year and sat well below the 2025 trajectory. The brand had experienced a double-digit year-over-year decline in the weeks leading up to launch, with no Galaxy S flagship in the market to drive premium demand.
This wasn’t simply a slow quarter. It reflected what happens to Samsung’s sales profile when its flagship cycle is delayed: without the S-series halo effect, both premium and trade-in-driven volume dry up simultaneously. The depth of the pre-launch trough made the subsequent rebound all the more striking.
The Launch Turnaround: Three Weeks That Changed the Trajectory
The Galaxy S26 series launched in Week 11 (March 8–14), and the effect on Samsung’s weekly sales was immediate. The launch window — Weeks 11 to 13 — reversed the downswing sharply, with 2026 volumes rebounding close to 2025 levels and then breaking into year-over-year growth.
Counterpoint Research Associate Director Sujeong Lim noted that cumulative Samsung smartphone sales during the first three weeks of the S26 launch were 4% higher than those of the Galaxy S25 series during the equivalent post-launch period in 2025. This is particularly significant given that overall global smartphone demand had softened at the time of the S26 launch — meaning Samsung achieved a stronger launch uplift in a weaker market environment than it faced with the S25.
Regional Performance: US and Western Europe Lead the Way
United States: +29% Year-Over-Year
The US delivered the standout regional performance. S26 series sales in the first three weeks post-launch were 29% higher year-over-year compared to the S25 series in the same period — a strong result that Lim described as particularly impressive given that the S26 launched at a higher price point than its predecessor. The result raises expectations for Samsung’s US performance in the months ahead.
For refurbished market participants, the US performance is a reliable leading indicator. Strong new device sell-through in the US translates into higher trade-in volumes and a more active secondary market for prior-generation Galaxy devices. Explore our refurbished Samsung wholesale inventory to plan your sourcing strategy accordingly.
Western Europe: Double-Digit Growth
Western Europe also recorded double-digit year-over-year growth during the S26 launch window — reinforcing Samsung’s position in a region where premium Android demand is consistently strong. Like the US, Western Europe is a key market for Galaxy S-series flagships, and the launch uplift there suggests the S26 is resonating across Samsung’s core strategic markets simultaneously.
The Ultra Factor: Why the S26 Ultra Is Driving Premium Demand
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is central to Samsung’s recovery story — and its broader strategy for 2026. Counterpoint Research notes that the Ultra model will play a critical role in helping Samsung defend its sales and profitability as 2026 shapes up to be one of the most challenging years for the global smartphone market.
The Ultra accounted for nearly 71% of Galaxy S-series sales in the first three weeks — up from 61% during the S25 launch period. Price increases on the standard and Plus models pushed more buyers toward the Ultra tier, while the model’s exclusive Privacy Display feature provided a clear differentiating reason to upgrade. Carrier promotions from AT&T and T-Mobile offering the Ultra for free with a trade-in further accelerated demand.
For the secondary market, Ultra dominance at launch has a specific implication: as S26 Ultra buyers trade in their previous devices, the pool of refurbished S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra units available to the secondary market expands. These are among the highest-value refurbished Samsung devices, and demand for them tends to be consistent.
What to Expect for the Rest of 2026
2026 is expected to be one of the most difficult years for the global smartphone market, with memory component shortages, elevated production costs, and cautious consumer sentiment all weighing on demand. In this environment, Samsung’s flagship lineup — particularly the S26 Ultra — becomes an even more critical pillar of the brand’s revenue and margin defense.
The strong launch uplift from the S26 has narrowed the year-over-year gap significantly, but sustaining that momentum through Q2 and beyond will depend on whether carrier promotions remain aggressive and whether consumer demand holds in the US and Western Europe — the two markets where Samsung has seen the clearest early returns.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung’s cumulative sales declined 6% YoY from Week 1 to Week 13 of 2026, driven by the delayed Galaxy S26 launch.
- By Week 10, Samsung’s weekly sales had hit their lowest point of the year — well below 2025 levels.
- The S26 launch in Week 11 immediately reversed the decline; the three-week launch window drove cumulative sales 4% above the S25 launch period in 2025.
- The US posted the strongest regional result: S26 sales were 29% higher YoY vs. the S25 launch period, despite a price increase.
- Western Europe recorded double-digit growth during the launch window.
- The S26 Ultra accounted for 71% of S-series sales in the first three weeks, up from 61% for the S25.
- 2026 is expected to be one of the most challenging years for the global smartphone market; the S26 Ultra is Samsung’s key defense of premium share and profitability.
Stock the Right Samsung Models Before Demand Peaks
A stronger S26 launch cycle means more trade-ins and a growing supply of prior-generation Galaxy devices in the secondary market. Whether you’re looking to source refurbished Galaxy S-series phones or build out your Samsung wholesale inventory, HK Refurbished Stock can help you get ahead of the demand curve.
Get in touch with our team to check stock availability, discuss grades, or request a wholesale quote.