Xiaomi 17 Ultra holds top spot as Samsung and new launches dominate week 2 trending charts

The second week of 2026 shows familiar faces at the top of our trending phones list, but the real story is how quickly new launches are climbing the ranks. Xiaomi's 17 Ultra continues its reign as the most-searched phone in our database, proving that the company's flagship momentum from late 2025 hasn't faded with the new year.

The Top Three Remain Unchanged

Xiaomi 17 Ultra's position at number one isn't surprising given its impressive camera system and competitive pricing against Samsung's ultra-premium offerings. What's more notable is that the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy S25 Ultra have held their ground in second and third place respectively. This suggests Samsung's mid-range and flagship offerings are generating sustained interest, likely driven by carrier promotions and the S25 Ultra's continued push into on-device AI features.

The S25 Ultra's persistence in the top three despite being several months old indicates that buyer consideration cycles for premium Android phones extend well beyond launch month. The 512GB model at €968.99 and 1TB version at €1,214.27 represent significant investments, yet search volume remains high.

New Launches Make Immediate Impact

The most interesting development is the immediate success of two newly unveiled devices. The Poco M8 Pro debuts at fourth place, showing that Xiaomi's sub-brand strategy continues to capture budget-conscious buyers looking for solid specs without the flagship price tag. Poco has built a reputation for delivering performance-focused devices that punch above their weight class.

Right behind it, the Realme 16 Pro+ claims fifth place. Realme's aggressive positioning in the mid-range segment has clearly resonated with consumers who want premium features like high-refresh displays and fast charging without crossing into four-figure territory.

iPhone Holds Steady, Motorola Makes Its Mark

Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max sits at sixth, up one spot from the previous week. While it may not dominate the top of our trending charts like Android devices do, its consistent presence shows the iPhone remains a benchmark for premium buyers considering their options.

The Motorola Signature, described as the "star of CES 2026," enters at eighth place. Motorola's recent strategy of focusing on clean software experiences and practical features seems to be paying off. The Signature likely represents the company's new design direction for 2026.

Mid-Range Momentum

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ climbed three spots to seventh, while the standard Redmi Note 15 5G secured the tenth position. These placements reinforce that Xiaomi's Redmi line continues to be the go-to choice for buyers seeking maximum value. The Pro+ model's rise suggests consumers are increasingly willing to pay a bit more for enhanced camera capabilities and faster charging.

Samsung's Galaxy A17 at ninth place completes the chart, showing that Samsung's budget A-series still commands attention despite fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers.

What This Tells Us About 2026 Buying Patterns

Week 2's trending data reveals several key insights about the current mobile market:

Value remains king: Even at the top end, consumers are comparing specs and prices carefully. The presence of multiple mid-range devices in the top ten shows that price-to-performance ratio is a primary decision factor.

Launch window matters: New devices can immediately break into the top rankings, but sustained success requires more than initial hype. The Poco M8 Pro and Realme 16 Pro+ will need to maintain their momentum in coming weeks.

Samsung's dual strategy works: Having both the S25 Ultra and A56 in the top three shows Samsung's ability to capture buyers across different price points is working effectively.

Xiaomi's ecosystem strength: With three devices in the top ten (17 Ultra, Poco M8 Pro, Redmi Note 15 series), Xiaomi demonstrates the power of its multi-brand strategy targeting different segments.

Looking Ahead

As we move deeper into 2026, expect the trending charts to become more volatile. Major launches from all manufacturers are typically spaced throughout the first quarter, and the usual spring refresh cycle will likely bring more new faces to these rankings. The question is whether the newcomers can challenge the established leaders or if the current hierarchy will persist through the month.

For now, Xiaomi's 17 Ultra has established itself as the phone to beat, but with Samsung's A56 providing consistent mid-range competition and new launches arriving weekly, the race for trending dominance is just getting started.