Apple and Samsung continued their dominance of the global smartphone market in the first quarter of 2025, securing nine out of the top ten spots in the best-selling smartphones list, according to the latest Counterpoint Research report. Xiaomi was the only other brand to break into the rankings.
The iPhone 16 emerged as the best-selling smartphone worldwide from January to March 2025. This marked the first time since 2023 that Apple’s baseline model reclaimed the top spot. The iPhone 16 performed especially well in the Middle East, Africa, and Japan—regions where it recorded its strongest growth.
Coming in second and third place were Apple’s high-end models, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro, respectively. These Pro variants accounted for nearly half of Apple’s total iPhone sales during Q1 2025, underscoring the continued demand for premium Apple devices.
The iPhone 15 secured the fourth spot, further highlighting Apple’s strong lineup. Samsung’s top-performing model, the Galaxy A16 5G, came in fifth, marking the highest-ranked device from the South Korean tech giant.
In the lower half of the top ten, Samsung placed three more models: the Galaxy A06 at sixth, the Galaxy S25 Ultra at seventh—its only premium segment representative—and the Galaxy A55 at ninth. Xiaomi’s sole representative was the Redmi 14C, which claimed the eighth position.
Rounding out the list at tenth place was Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus, adding yet another model from the Apple iPhone 16 series to the rankings.
Apple’s broad representation in the top ten reaffirms its dominance across multiple price tiers, while Samsung continues to perform strongly in the mid-range segment. The continued popularity of Apple’s Pro models suggests that consumers remain willing to invest in high-end devices for advanced features and performance.
Analysts believe the early success of the Apple iPhone 16 series sets a strong precedent for Apple’s market share in 2025, while Samsung’s budget-friendly lineup remains a key driver in emerging markets.