The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has clearly emerged as the frontrunner among the new Galaxy S26 lineup preorders in Russia, capturing a commanding 77% share of all requests, according to MTS data following the February 25 launch. The base Galaxy S26 trails with just 17%, while the mid-tier S26+ accounts for only 6%, underscoring a strong shift in consumer preference toward the top-tier model packed with the most advanced specs.
Prices and popular configurations of the Samsung Galaxy S26
MTS highlights that demand is concentrated around models with 256GB and 512GB storage, which together represent nearly 90% of all preorders. The 1TB variants lag behind at just 12%. This trend not only reflects a need for ample storage but also a willingness among buyers to pay for premium configurations. The price for the 1TB S26 Ultra reaches 189,990 rubles (~$2,600), firmly placing this smartphone in the premium tier alongside competitors like the iPhone Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship devices.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 12GB RAM + 256GB – 89,990 rubles
- Samsung Galaxy S26 12GB RAM + 512GB – 104,990 rubles
- Samsung Galaxy S26+ 12GB RAM + 256GB – 104,990 rubles
- Samsung Galaxy S26+ 12GB RAM + 512GB – 119,990 rubles
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 12GB RAM + 256GB – 124,990 rubles
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 12GB RAM + 512GB – 144,990 rubles
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 16GB RAM + 1TB – 189,990 rubles
All models come in four colors: white, black, blue, and purple. MTS also offers Samsung’s official Galaxy Buds4 earbuds. Buyers can take advantage of 0% financing over 24 months, a 6% cashback bonus, and other attractive deals that sweeten the launch period.
Rising demand for premium smartphones and year-end outlook
The overall preorder volume for the Galaxy S26 series in 2026 has surged 12% compared to last year, a remarkable feat given the overall decline in Russia’s smartphone market. This indicates that demand for flagship devices remains robust, with the premium segment continuing to drive sales. The popularity of Ultra models featuring larger screens and powerful cameras likely plays a key role in this upward trend.
Samsung appears to be capitalizing on growing consumer appetite for more storage, signaling increasing willingness to invest in 512GB and 1TB configurations. In contrast, competitors like Apple and Xiaomi are caught in a balancing act between price and tech innovation. This rising demand might push brands to introduce new features and higher-end options to capture the premium buyer segment.
What remains to be seen is how this spike in interest will translate into sustained sales, and whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra can maintain its lead long term amid fierce competition and rapidly evolving user preferences.
For Russian readers, MTS is the country’s largest mobile operator and a major retailer, so its preorder data offers a solid snapshot of local market trends. While the Galaxy S series traditionally dominates globally, the overwhelming preference for the Ultra model in Russia highlights regional sensitivities to flagship specs and price tiers, which may differ from other markets.
This strong initial sales performance signals Samsung’s solid footing in Russia’s premium smartphone market, where consumer habits are shifting toward models with maximum memory and advanced features. Looking beyond Russia, this trend reflects a broader global appetite for high-end phones that deliver not just performance but also large storage-a combination increasingly relevant as apps, media, and AI-powered features grow more demanding.