Samsung Strengthens its Lead Across Several Global Smartphone Markets

Samsung reclaimed the top spot in the global smartphone market in Q1 2026. Now, the latest data from three key markets shows how the Korean firm bolstered its position during the quarter. It led smartphone shipments across Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Galaxy S26 launch and A-series played a key role in Samsung’s Q1 2026 smartphone growth

According to Omdia, the smartphone market in Latin America increased 3% year over year in Q1 2026, shipping 34.8 million units. Samsung became the top smartphone vendor, shipping 12.9 million units. This is up from 9% from the same period last year. The company’s market share grew to 37% (up from 35% in Q1 2025).

As a result, Samsung reached its highest quarterly level in the region since Q1 2023. The company saw growth mainly due to strong sales of Galaxy A-series models across the low‑end and mid‑high segments.

Samsung also performed well in the Middle East, where the overall smartphone market dropped 6% year over year in Q1 2026. Despite weaker market demand, Samsung led the region, shipping 3.7 million smartphones, a 1% increase from the same period last year. The company’s market share increased from 32% in Q1 2025 to 34% in Q1 2026.

Omdia says, “Vendors reacted with broader pricing revisions across both new and existing smartphone portfolios.” This has pushed the region’s average smartphone selling price to a record $450 in Q1 2026 (up 15% YoY). Thankfully, Samsung’s latest Galaxy S26 series, alongside a refreshed A-series portfolio, supported overall shipments greatly in the region.

Furthermore, Samsung led the Southeast Asian smartphone market in Q1 2026. While the region’s overall smartphone market fell 9% year over year, Samsung’s shipments grew 4%. The Korean firm shipped 4.6 million units during the period. As a result, it saw market share increase to 21%, up from 19% in Q1 2025.

The gain was driven by “a combination of a strong Galaxy S26 launch and A-series volume drivers,” according to Omdia. As demand for the latest Galaxy flagship lineup continues to grow, Samsung could maintain solid momentum across these key markets in Q2 2026 as well.