Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones Worldwide in Q1 2025

Analytical firm Counterpoint Research has released the list of the best-selling smartphones in the world for the first quarter of 2025. Apple maintains its lead with the iPhone 16 lineup topping the chart, while Samsung and Xiaomi round out the ranking with mid-range and budget segment models.

Sales leaders: iPhone 16 at the top

1. iPhone 16
   The base iPhone 16 model became the best-selling smartphone globally, marking the return of the base iPhone model to the top for the first time since 2022. Strong demand in Japan (up 29% year-over-year) and in emerging markets such as India and the Middle East drove the model’s success.
2. iPhone 16 Pro Max
   The flagship with an upgraded camera and larger screen holds second place. The Pro series accounts for nearly half of iPhone sales, despite competition in China, where subsidies for devices under 6000 yuan (approximately $735) support local brands.
3. iPhone 16 Pro
   Apple also holds third place. This model is popular due to new Apple Intelligence features and enhanced performance, although its sales in China are restrained by Huawei’s rise.
4. iPhone 15
   Last year’s model remains in demand due to price cuts following the iPhone 16 launch, especially in budget-conscious regions.
5. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
   Samsung’s budget 5G model is popular in Asia and Latin America, where affordability and reliability attract mainstream consumers.
6. Samsung Galaxy A06
   Another low-cost Samsung phone aimed at emerging markets, reinforcing the brand’s strength in the entry-level segment.
7. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
   Samsung’s flagship dropped to seventh place, down from fifth for the S24 Ultra in Q1 2024. Despite introducing Galaxy AI, it trails the iPhone in the premium market but remains popular in Europe and the U.S.
8. Xiaomi Redmi 14C
   The only smartphone in the top 10 outside of Apple and Samsung. The Redmi 14C saw a 43% increase over its predecessor, dominating the sub-$100 budget segment in Africa and Latin America.
9. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
   A mid-range device with upgraded specs and GenAI features, strengthening Samsung’s presence in the top 10.
10. iPhone 16 Plus
    Rounding out the list is the iPhone 16 Plus, which lags behind other models in the series due to lower demand for larger screens compared to the Pro Max.

iPhone 16e: A rising star

Notably, the iPhone 16e, which launched in March 2025, secured sixth place globally in its first full month on sale. Despite a higher price than the iPhone SE 2022, it is off to a strong start, especially in North America and Japan. Counterpoint analysts predict the 16e will surpass the SE in first-year sales due to its affordable pricing within the iPhone 16 lineup and support for Apple Intelligence.

Trends and market overview

The global smartphone market grew by 3% in Q1 2025, reaching 301.4 million units sold, driven by demand in China (boosted by subsidies) and in developing regions such as Latin America and the Middle East. Apple captured 19% of the market, overtaking Samsung (18%) for the first time in Q1. Xiaomi held third place with 13.9%.

The top 10 smartphones accounted for 19% of total sales, with Apple occupying five spots and Samsung four. The budget segment (under $100) was the fastest-growing, accounting for 20% of the market, explaining the success of the Redmi 14C.

Forecasts and challenges

Counterpoint forecasts a potential market slowdown in 2025 due to economic instability and tariffs, particularly in the U.S., where Apple and Samsung ramped up shipments to avoid price hikes. Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Vivo are gaining ground thanks to subsidies and expansion in Europe and Africa.