The Google Play Store is the lifeblood of Android OS. Even if you want to use Samsung's Galaxy Store exclusively, you can't avoid Google forever. However, Samsung fans in select markets now have an extra reason to visit Google's digital storefront: They can buy Galaxy phones.
A new addition to the Play Store was recently discovered. Google has quietly added a “Shop devices” section to its mobile Play Store app, where Pixel and Galaxy phones are now available for purchase.
Availability differs by market, so check your app
Android smartphone users can access the new Shop devices section via the account selection pop-up menu, but your experience will vary.
- First, the Shop devices option is visible only in select regions.
- Second, even in markets where it is available, you may find only Google Pixel phones for sale. In India, for example, the hardware shop is live but sells Pixel phones exclusively — as of this writing.
Screenshots from users in other regions (via Android Authority) reveal that Google is now selling at least two Galaxy phone models: the Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S26 carries the tagline “Capture every detail with pro-grade precision,” while Google also describes the Galaxy S26 Ultra as having “The most powerful processor on Galaxy.”
It's an interesting move by Google, especially because the new shop section includes Galaxy and Google's own Pixel phones alike. You'd think Google would want to sell its own hardware, but the company probably can't deny or ignore the fact that Samsung has become the biggest Android phone maker. You could even argue that without Samsung, there's virtually no Android.
The terms of this collaboration are unclear as of now. Neither Google nor Samsung said anything on the matter, so only they know how big a cut Google might be earning for every Galaxy phone sold through its Play Store app. We'll keep you posted if the service expands to more markets.
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