US Smartphone Sales Fall 5% in Q2 as Sub-$100 Segment Craters 64%
Updated
Updated · Android Authority · Aug 13
US Smartphone Sales Fall 5% in Q2 as Sub-$100 Segment Craters 64%
3 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Aug 13
Summary
Counterpoint said US smartphone sales dropped 5% year over year in Q2 2026, with prepaid sales down 11% and the sub-$100 segment plunging 64%.
Rising component costs, a RAM shortage and energy-driven pressure on household budgets pushed vendors to raise prices or exit cheaper tiers, shrinking the gap between carrier-branded phones and Samsung or Motorola models.
Apple, Samsung, Google and Motorola sales fell 4%, while the rest of the market slumped 45% as smaller brands lost share or left the low-end segment altogether.
The market is shifting upward: the $200-$300 band tripled its share, helped by Motorola price increases, and carriers leaned more on Samsung Galaxy A and Motorola Moto G devices.
Price pressure is expected to persist into Q3, with Google already lifting Pixel 11 prices by $100 and Apple's iPhone 18 lineup widely expected to follow.