Some of the best-selling Android phones in 2026 skip a feature you take for granted is attracting attention across the tech world. Analysts, enthusiasts, and industry observers are watching closely to see how this story develops.
This update adds another signal to a fast-moving sector where product decisions, platform changes, and competition can quickly shape the market.
Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
The smartphone market is in turmoil at the moment as the RAM crisis bites hard. How has this changed the landscape in terms of the most popular phones globally, though? Well, a tracking company has now revealed more details.
Counterpoint Research has posted its list of the top 10 best-selling smartphones in Q1 2026, and the most popular Android phone was the Samsung Galaxy A07 4G. It ranked fourth on the list. Check out the rankings below.
Yes, the best-selling Android phone in the previous quarter didn’t even have 5G. This wasn’t even the only 4G phone on the list, as the ninth-placed Galaxy A17 4G and 10th-placed Xiaomi Redmi A5 also lack 5G connectivity. If anything, I’m expecting even more budget Android phones with 4G in 2026, as the RAM crisis means smartphone makers might skip 5G as part of cost-cutting measures.
Other Android phones on the list include the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G (fifth), the Galaxy A56 (seventh), and the Galaxy A36 (eighth). Counterpoint Research said the Galaxy S26 Ultra narrowly missed out on the list. That’s not a bad showing, as the Ultra phone was only available for a few weeks in the quarter.
Otherwise, the top three spots were taken by the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Pro. Last year’s iPhone 16 ranked sixth.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.
Why This Matters
This development may influence user expectations, future product strategy, and the competitive balance inside the broader technology industry.
Companies in adjacent segments often react quickly to similar moves, which is why stories like this tend to matter beyond a single announcement.
Looking Ahead
The full impact will become clearer over time, but the story already highlights how quickly the modern tech landscape can evolve.
Observers will continue tracking the next steps and how they affect products, users, and the wider market.
