Here is a fact that will surprise most phone buyers in the US: the top selling Android phone in 2026 is not a Galaxy S26 Ultra. It is not a Pixel 10. It is not even a phone with 5G.
Android Authority’s Q1 2026 best-selling phones analysis confirmed Counterpoint Research revealed the top-selling Android phone was the Galaxy A07 4G — a budget phone that most US tech websites do not even review.
Three of the ten best-selling phones on the planet do not have 5G. In 2026.
The Full Q1 2026 List of Top Selling Android & iPhones
Android Authority confirmed the top three spots were taken by the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Pro. The Galaxy A07 4G ranked fourth. Other Android phones on the list include the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G (fifth), the Galaxy A56 (seventh), the Galaxy A36 (eighth), the Galaxy A17 4G (ninth), and the Xiaomi Redmi A5 (tenth).
| Rank | Phone | 5G? | Price Bracket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 17 | Yes | $800+ |
| 2 | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Yes | $1,199+ |
| 3 | iPhone 17 Pro | Yes | $999+ |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy A07 4G | No | Under $150 |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G | Yes | Under $200 |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy A56 | Yes | ~$400 |
| 8 | Samsung Galaxy A36 | Yes | ~$300 |
| 9 | Samsung Galaxy A17 4G | No | Under $150 |
| 10 | Xiaomi Redmi A5 | No | Under $100 |
Android Authority noted the Galaxy S26 Ultra narrowly missed the list — not a bad showing given it was only available for a few weeks in the quarter.
What This Tells Us About Real Phone Buyers
The tech world obsesses over flagships. Every review site spends most of its time covering $800+ phones. But the sales data tells a completely different story about what most people in the world actually buy.
Most phone buyers are not choosing between a Galaxy S26 Ultra and an iPhone 17 Pro Max. They are choosing between a $100 phone and a $150 phone. They are buying based on price, not specs. And right now, most of those buyers do not care about 5G.
Newsweek’s best Android phones analysis confirmed the $300 to $600 mid-range tier posted about 27% unit growth in 2025 — the fastest-growing segment in the US market. Even in the United States, the real purchase decisions are happening below $600.
Why Budget Phones Are Skipping 5G in 2026
Android Authority confirmed expecting even more budget Android phones with 4G in 2026 makes sense, as the RAM chip shortage means smartphone makers might skip 5G as part of cost-cutting measures.
5G modems cost money. In a year where memory chip prices have jumped 70% — as we covered in our why phone prices are rising in 2026 explainer — phone makers building devices under $200 are cutting every corner they can. The 5G modem is one of the first things to go because most global buyers, especially in developing markets, do not have reliable 5G coverage anyway.
For US buyers, 5G coverage is widespread enough that you should look for a phone that supports it. But this explains why the best-selling Android phone worldwide does not bother with it.
The Best Budget Android Phones Worth Buying in the US Right Now
If you want a budget phone in the US that does not cut important corners, here are the three strongest options:
Google Pixel 10a at $449 (Amazon): The best camera under $500, 7-year update support, 5G, and a 3,000-nit display. Our Pixel 10a deal breakdown covers the full details. This is the clear pick if you want the most phone for the least money.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE at $550 (Samsung.com): Bigger 6.7-inch screen, telephoto camera, 7-year updates, and 5G. Our Galaxy S25 FE deal article covers the full details for Samsung fans who want a familiar experience.
Samsung Galaxy A36 at ~$300 (Best Buy): The cheapest Samsung worth recommending. It made the global top 10 best-seller list for a reason — 5G, AMOLED display, and Samsung’s update commitment.
What This Means for the Rest of 2026
TechCrunch confirmed IDC predicts a 12.9% drop in smartphone shipments for 2026 — the most significant decline on record.
Fewer phones will ship worldwide. The ones that do will cost more. Budget phones are getting worse specs to keep prices down. The takeaway: if a phone you want is on sale right now, buy it. The phone market is not getting cheaper in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top 10 Best Selling Phones
What is the best selling Android phone in 2026?
Counterpoint Research’s Q1 2026 data confirmed the most popular Android phone was the Samsung Galaxy A07 4G. It ranked fourth overall, behind three iPhone 17 models.
Why are budget phones still selling without 5G?
Most global buyers do not have reliable 5G coverage and prioritize price over connectivity features. The RAM chip shortage is also forcing manufacturers to cut costs wherever possible, and 5G modems are an easy target for sub-$200 devices.
What is the best budget phone to buy in the US right now?
The Google Pixel 10a at $449 is the strongest value with the best camera under $500, 7-year updates, and 5G. The Samsung Galaxy A36 at about $300 is the cheapest Samsung worth recommending with 5G and AMOLED.
Are phone prices going up or down in 2026?
Up. The average retail price of a smartphone is expected to rise 14% to a record $523 this year. Budget and mid-range phones are hit hardest. Current deals on existing models are the best values available right now.
