Industry data released on Monday shows that Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. led the smartphone markets in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia in the first quarter, driven by steady sales of its premium Galaxy S26 series and entry-level Galaxy A series smartphones.

According to data compiled by industry tracker Omdia, Samsung Electronics sold approximately 12.9 million smartphones in Central and South America from January to March, accounting for 37% of the region's total smartphone sales of 34.8 million units during the same period.

Omdia noted that the strong sales of the Galaxy A series smartphones, along with a diverse product lineup that meets market demands, contributed to the overall performance growth.

In the Middle East market, smartphone sales in the first quarter fell 6% year-on-year to 11 million units. However, strong demand for the latest Galaxy S26 and Galaxy A series smartphones helped Samsung Electronics lead the market with a 34% share.

The company also sold 4.6 million smartphones in Southeast Asia, representing 21% of the region's total smartphone sales in the first quarter.

Omdia stated that robust sales of the Galaxy S26 series launched in January, combined with steady demand for the Galaxy A series, helped Samsung Electronics expand its market share in Southeast Asia. Smartphone sales in the region declined 9% year-on-year in the first quarter.

Previously, Omdia reported that Samsung Electronics ranked first in the global smartphone market in the first quarter, with a market share of 22%.