Galaxy S4 sales have topped 10 million in "record" time, Samsung announced Thursday.

Galaxy S4 sales have topped 10 million in "record" time, Samsung announced Thursday.

Less than a month after its global release on April 27, Samsung's flagship smartphone surpassed 10 million units, according to a release.

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"The Galaxy S4 sets a new record for Samsung, generating sales quicker than any of its predecessors," the Korean electronics giant said, adding that it estimates the phone is selling at a rate of four units per second.

In comparison, it took 50 days for the Galaxy S3 to reach 10 million. The S2 and S waited five months and seven months, respectively, to achieve the same number.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile Sells 500,000 iPhone 5s in Less Than a Month

Apple's iPhone 5 — the S4's main rival — sold 5 million devices in the first weekend (three days) of its release, but that amount proved disappointing for investors who expected sales to be much higher. Several analysts predicted that Apple would sell closer to 8 million units on opening weekend.

Some commentators have noted the contrast between the way media have portrayed Galaxy S4 versus iPhone 5 sales, saying Samsung's results are shown in a positive light, while those of Apple are described negatively.

How do you think sales of Samsung's Galaxy S4 and Apple's iPhone 5 compare? Tell us in the comments, below.

Image by Nina Frazier, Mashable