Samsung scored a tough victory in a neck-and-neck race with Apple in the Q3 2026 market even though worldwide smartphone shipments declined 20 year-on-year.

According to preliminary data from Counterpoint Research, worldwide shipments plummeted 20 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of 2026, marking the weakest third-quarter performance since 2012.

Relentless spikes in DRAM and NAND pricing have heavily inflated bill-of-materials costs, forcing manufacturers to pass expenses onto buyers and pushing global retail prices up by 20 percent this year alone.

Samsung wins neck-and-neck race with Apple

Samsung managed to fend off a surging Apple to claim the top spot. Samsung captured 23 percent of the market, experiencing just a 3 percent shipment decline.

That resilience came down to a deliberate pivot toward higher average selling prices and a robust initial response to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series.

Apple followed closely behind at 22 percent share, crossing the twenty-percent threshold for any third-quarter period for the first time.

Interestingly, Apple achieved this milestone despite the absence of a base iPhone 18 model at launch, which usually bolsters initial channel fill.

Chinese competitors like Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo absorbed heavy shipment losses exceeding 20 to 30 percent as they intentionally retreated from unprofitable low-end segments to protect their bottom lines.

The remainder of the year will remain punishing for both OEMs and buyers alike. Until component shortages ease and supply chains stabilize, a true volume recovery is off the table.

It is hard to imagine budget phones returning to their former pricing structures anytime soon. Brands are playing a game of survival, and for now, Samsung’s high-end playbook is keeping it safely ahead of the pack.

Samsung Week 2026 is here, bringing exciting deals, rewards, and new technology for customers in the US. The campaign runs from October 12 to November 1, 2026, on Samsung.com. It is a great chance to buy new devices, upgrade old products, and make everyday life easier.

Samsung offers many smart products for work, fitness, cooking, and entertainment. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro help users work while travelling. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy S26 Ultra help track fitness, heart rate, and daily activities.

Samsung’s smart home products also make daily tasks easier. The Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, Bespoke AI Oven, Samsung Micro RGB TVs, and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo offer amazing features for daily essential needs.

Image via Samsung

During Samsung Week, customers can enjoy several benefits on Samsung.com. These include Samsung Rewards points, discounts on eligible devices through trade-ins, Samsung Care+ protection, free next-day delivery on eligible products, and special colours available online.

Customers using the Samsung Galaxy Card can earn 5% cash rewards on Samsung purchases. The card also offers 3% cash rewards on everyday purchases made with Samsung Wallet and a $200 welcome bonus after spending $2,000 anywhere, subject to applicable terms.

Samsung is also offering free subscriptions with selected Galaxy products. Eligible devices include six months of Google AI Pro, while selected Galaxy watches come with 60 days of Strava and two months of iFIT at no cost.

Samsung Week is a good opportunity to explore new technology and save on selected products. Customers can visit Samsung.com to check available offers, discover personalised recommendations, and find products that suit their needs before November 1, 2026.

Google is rolling out new updates for Googlebook to fix problems and make it easier to connect Samsung phones to laptops. These updates will help users connect their devices and use them together more easily.

When Googlebook first launched, it did not support Samsung phones. Due to this, some users could not use features that connect their phones and laptops. One user even returned their Googlebook because it did not work with their Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. Google had promised to add Samsung support, and the update is now rolling out.

The new update supports Samsung phones running One UI 9, based on Android 17. It brings four features: Continue On, Cast My Apps, Quick Access, and Notification Sync. These features help users connect their phones and laptops and make it easier to use both devices together.

Google is also updating Google Play Services to make the setup process easier. The update fixes a problem where the QR code sometimes remained on the screen even after the phone was connected. Both updates will arrive automatically over the next few days. Keeping devices connected to Wi-Fi and charging may help them receive updates sooner.

Users who still face connection problems should check their settings. Their phones must run Android 17, and Samsung users also need One UI 9. Both devices must use the same personal Google Account, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.

Google recommends using a private home Wi-Fi network because public networks may block connections between devices. Users should also have Google Play Services version 26.37 or later and Cross-device services version 1.0.1346 or later. If problems continue, they should check the required settings and restart both devices.

Samsung consumers are receiving pre-activated Galaxy phones in India, which is causing them to fear potential issues with the warranty. Samsung has just clarified the warranty policy, pledging a full year of coverage regardless of activation.

Samsung confirms full warranty for pre-activated Galaxy phones

Amazon and Flipkart are running festive season sales in India. Galaxy S25 Ultra is the biggest deal, along with the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 FE. Meanwhile, shoppers are finding that the devices were already activated months before.

The interesting part is that consumers are receiving a sealed retail box. However, the device inside shows a backdated activation date. It’s happening even though the device was manufactured in the month of September 2026.

Indian consumers are reporting the problem on social platforms for redressal and awareness as well. I have seen Amazon replies suggesting to users that they will receive a replacement unit or they can opt for a refund instead.

Samsung has now come to light, confirming that the warranty will be provided based on the date mentioned on the purchase invoice. That said, if you’ve bought the device in October 2026, it is covered till October 2027.

Hi, please don’t worry!
Your product warranty will be considered from the date mentioned on your purchase invoice, regardless of the pre-activation status.
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your new device!

That being said, you don’t have to worry about the warranty just because the device shows it was activated earlier. Keep the original purchase invoice for an effortless warranty claim experience in case you need one in the future.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y Lee and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang shared an unexpected moment of product promotion at the Korea Society Gala, with both executives revealing that they use the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Huang kicked off the exchange by holding up his phone while addressing the audience, identifying it as a Samsung Galaxy device.

Lee then joined the fun, pulling out his own foldable (via IceUniverse) and revealing that the two technology leaders share a preference for Samsung’s latest flagship.

“We both like the Galaxy Z Fold 8,” Lee said while proudly showing off the device, drawing laughs and applause from the room.

Of course, seeing Huang use a Galaxy Z Fold 8 does not automatically make it an official endorsement or a coordinated marketing campaign.

Whether the appearance was spontaneous or planned, Samsung received a welcome moment in the spotlight.

With Huang and Lee publicly displaying the same foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 found itself at the center of an unusually entertaining meeting of the technology industry’s heavyweights.

For Samsung, Huang’s apparent preference is particularly interesting given the companies’ expanding business relationship. Samsung supplies advanced memory technologies and other chip components that support NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure.

Related article:

• NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is using Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8