Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S26 series has shattered sales records, moving 1.35 million units during the pre-sale period across unlocked models and the three major carriers. This marks the highest pre-sale figures ever for a Galaxy S series.
Despite chip inflation challenges, the company maintained its double storage benefit during pre-sales, which significantly boosted buyer incentives and drove sales.
On Friday, Samsung announced that the Galaxy S26 series achieved 1.35 million pre-sale units in South Korea, surpassing the previous record of 1.3 million set by the Galaxy S25.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, the top-tier model, accounted for an impressive 70% of pre-sales, showcasing strong consumer preference. It also set a new sales record among all Ultra models to date.
Color preferences varied across models. For the Galaxy S26 Ultra and standard S26, white and black were the most popular choices. The Galaxy S26 Plus saw high demand for black and cobalt violet. Exclusive colors on Samsung.com, such as pink gold and silver shadow, also garnered significant interest.
Over 30% of customers who pre-ordered the Galaxy S26 series through Samsung.com opted to join the New Galaxy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Subscription Club, which guarantees 50% of the 512GB model’s base price if the device is returned after one year.
Galaxy S26 Pre-Sales: Ultra Model Claims 70% Share, Black and White Colors Lead
The Galaxy S26 series also performed exceptionally well in pre-sales through South Korea’s three major mobile carriers: SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus.
SK Telecom reported a higher share for the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra compared to its predecessor.
Color preferences for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ were black, white, cobalt violet, and sky blue, in that order. The Galaxy S26 Ultra saw the most interest in black, followed by cobalt violet, white, and sky blue.
At KT, the Galaxy S26 Ultra dominated, accounting for about 70% of all reservations. Black and white were the most popular colors across all models.
LG Uplus also saw the Galaxy S26 Ultra emerge as the top seller. Color preferences varied by model: cobalt violet and black for the Ultra, black for the Plus, and white for the standard S26.
Key Factors Driving Galaxy S26 Pre-Sale Success: New Features and Double Storage Benefit
The Galaxy S26 series’ popularity can be attributed to its innovative features that have captured public interest.
One standout feature is the Privacy Display, which prevents screen peeking without requiring a separate security film. Samsung spent over five years developing this technology, which controls light diffusion from display pixels to create a built-in privacy screen effect.
Another highly anticipated feature, debuting across the entire Galaxy S26 lineup, is the Horizontal Stabilization Super Steady mode.
This significantly upgrades the existing Super Steady feature, which corrects camera shake during video recording. With Horizontal Stabilization Super Steady activated, users can rapidly rotate their phones without the subject tilting or flipping, resulting in minimal screen shake even when the device is turned upside down.
Samsung achieved this by utilizing both a gyro sensor and, for the first time, an accelerometer to calculate gravitational direction in real-time.
Another key factor in the pre-sale success appears to be the continuation of the double storage benefit.
Samsung increased the price of the 512GB models by approximately 209,000 KRW (about 142 USD) across the board compared to previous models, citing the chip inflation caused by semiconductor shortages.
However, the company maintained the double storage promotion for pre-sale customers, effectively increasing the perceived value of the pre-order package. This likely contributed to a surge in device upgrade demand during the pre-sale period.
Samsung and Major Carriers Begin Galaxy S26 Pre-Activation; Official Launch Set for March 11 with Attractive Offers
Samsung Electronics and the three major carriers are starting pre-activation for Galaxy S26 series devices today, with the official launch scheduled for March 11.
Samsung plans to offer various incentives for March purchasers. These include a 10% discount coupon for the Galaxy Buds4 series and five 30% discount coupons for cases and accessories, redeemable through the Samsung.com app. Galaxy S26 Ultra buyers will receive an additional 30% discount coupon for a 60W charger.
SK Telecom will provide all customers who complete their activation by March 31 with the T Membership Club Galaxy S26 package. This package spans four categories: subscriptions, Galaxy customization, lifestyle benefits, and raffle opportunities.
KT is running its Device One More program until April 30, offering wireless earphones, TVs, and other devices as incentives.
LG Uplus has prepared promotional discounts for additional devices such as tablets and smartwatches.