A recent report by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) indicates a significant shift in the United States smartphone market, with Samsung's Galaxy S series now leading Apple's iPhone in customer satisfaction.
Samsung Edges Out Apple in Overall Satisfaction
While the difference is slight, Samsung achieved an overall customer satisfaction score of 81 out of 100, narrowly surpassing Apple, which scored 80. Google and Motorola tied for third place with a score of 77 each. This marks a notable moment as the South Korean tech giant takes the top spot in the crucial US market.
The ACSI report, which gathers data on various aspects of user experience, noted a slight recovery in the overall cellphone satisfaction score this year, rising to 79 after a decline in 2025. Factors contributing to these scores include device performance, battery life, software experience, customer support, value for money, and overall user experience.
Galaxy S Series Leads Specific Model Rankings
When examining specific smartphone models, the Samsung Galaxy S series received the highest customer satisfaction score, reaching 84 out of 100. Apple's latest iPhone models followed with a score of 82, while Google Pixel models scored 80.
The study also highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) features in smartphones. For the first time, ACSI measured satisfaction with AI capabilities, which received a strong score of 85 out of 100, indicating that users find these features genuinely useful and enhancing their experience.
Foldable Phones Lag Behind in Satisfaction
Despite advancements, foldable phones generally received lower customer satisfaction scores. Flagship smartphones overall scored 82, older phones 76, and foldable phones a lower 72. Owners of foldable devices were found to be three times more likely to complain compared to users of standard smartphones. Within the foldable market, Samsung still leads with a score of 80, likely due to its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, while Google foldables scored 72 and Motorola 70.
The competitive landscape for foldables could shift, however, if Apple introduces its rumored foldable iPhone later this year, potentially intensifying the market.