Galaxy s26 ultra dominates south korea pre-orders, but what about the rest?

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup has kicked off strong in South Korea, with the S26 Ultra garnering a staggering 70% of pre-orders. This comes after a year of cautious optimism surrounding the new smartphones, a stark contrast to the disappointment following the leaks of the S25 series.

Ultra popular: s26 ultra pre-orders surge

The company clearly prioritized the flagship model, evident in the minimal attention given to the base S26 and S26+ during the Galaxy Unpacked event. The S26 Ultra, boasting a new Privacy Display and a powerful processor, has captured the attention of consumers. The phone has already secured nearly 1 million pre-orders in South Korea—a significant increase compared to the S25 Ultra's pre-order numbers in the same region.

However, the story isn't entirely one of triumph. When the S26 Ultra is removed from the equation, the standard S26 and S26+ pre-orders demonstrate a noticeable dip compared to their predecessors. This raises questions about Samsung’s ability to maintain its market position.

White and black remain the preferred color choices, mirroring the popularity of the S25 series. Yet, the S26+ saw unexpected interest in black and violet. The data points to shifting consumer preferences, but whether these trends will translate globally remains to be seen. Samsung’s future success hinges on the global performance of the entire S26 family.

The S26’s strong start in South Korea is undeniable. The S26 Ultra has the potential to become one of the best-selling Android phones this year. The fate of the S26 and S26+? That's a different story altogether.

The numbers speak for themselves: Samsung’s gamble on the S26 Ultra appears to be paying off, but the broader success of the series will define the company’s trajectory in a fiercely competitive market.