US Smartphone Users Now More Satisfied With Samsung Than iPhone

US smartphone users are reportedly more satisfied with Samsung devices than with Apple, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Telecommunications, Cell Phone, and Smartwatch Study 2026. Samsung scored 81 points in customer satisfaction, while Apple followed closely with 80 points. Last year the two firms were tied, but the latest report shows Samsung ahead in overall user experience.

In the device category, premium flagship lines recorded the highest satisfaction scores. The Samsung Galaxy S Series led with 84 points, while the latest Apple iPhone line scored 82. Google’s flagship smartphones trailed with 80.

Consistently high customer satisfaction levels suggest Samsung’s efforts to enhance user experience and after-sales service are well regarded by US consumers. ACSI noted that overall smartphone satisfaction rose by 1 point this year to 79, after a prior decline. Contributing factors include increasingly useful features on modern smartphones, with battery durability highlighted as a key area.

For the first time this year the survey included AI-powered features, with many users now seeing AI as a practical feature rather than mere gimmick. The ACSI report also touched on the foldable phone category. In this segment Samsung still dominates the market compared with Google and Motorola, though foldables still generate more complaints than standard smartphones. This indicates that the foldable category continues to face challenges in durability and user experience.