Apple made a powerful declaration in the global smartphone market by ruling sales during the first quarter of 2025. Five iPhone devices holding places within the top 10, Apple has strengthened its grip on premium and general smartphone segments. Counterpoint Research’s report indicates how Apple topped competitors, with the iPhone 16 being the world’s leading-selling smartphone.
iPhone 16 Takes Global Smartphone Sales
As reported by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16 took the title of world’s best-selling smartphone during Q1 2025. The regular iPhone model has overtaken the top spot in the first quarter for the first time after two years. The phone experienced high demand from regions like Japan, Middle East, and Africa. Apple’s solid shipment volumes were supported by five models of iPhone, which all featured in the global top 10 list.
iPhone 16 Pro Series Keeps Excelling
Closely behind the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro took the second and third spots, respectively. The Pro line accounted for nearly half of Apple’s overall iPhone sales during the third consecutive quarter. Sales of the iPhone 16 Pro series in China were affected because of subsidies provided by the government on sub-CNY 6,000 devices as well as increasing competition from Huawei and other domestic brands.
iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Plus Enters Top 10
The just-released iPhone 16e, which was released in March 2025, took the sixth position among the top-sellers. Another Apple product, the iPhone 16 Plus, also made it into the top 10 by taking the tenth position. This is a major success for Apple, as almost all major models of its current lineup have entered the global top charts.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra Experiences Decline in Ranking
Samsung, while a steady performer, placed fewer phones in the top 10 during this year than it did in Q1 2024. The Galaxy S25 Ultra came in at seventh place, down from the fifth position taken by the Galaxy S24 Ultra last year. The fall was due to the short sales window in the quarter. The Galaxy S25 series, however, still accounted for one-fourth of Samsung’s smartphone sales in the month of release.
Samsung Galaxy A-Series Grows in Popularity
Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G climbed to fifth place, improving on the Galaxy A15 5G’s position from Q1 2024. The Galaxy A06 followed closely in sixth place, jumping four spots from its predecessor’s ranking last year. The Galaxy A55 5G also entered the top 10, ranked at number nine, signaling strong growth in Samsung’s budget and mid-range portfolio.
Redmi 14C Stands Out Among Non-Apple, Non-Samsung Devices
Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C was the sole top-10 smartphone outside of Apple or Samsung. The phone, placed eighth, became more popular in developing economies like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Its presence highlights Xiaomi’s ongoing importance in lower-cost smartphone markets of emerging markets.