Apple’s iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone in the world during the first quarter of 2025, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. It’s the first time since 2022 that a base model iPhone and not the Pro model, has led global sales in this period.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- iPhone 16 ranked #1 globally for Q1 2025 sales
- Apple held 5 out of the top 10 spots
- iPhone 16e debuted strong in 6th place, better than past SE models
- Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G was the brand’s best-performing phone
- Redmi 14C 4G was the only non-Apple/Samsung phone in the top 10
- Sub-$100 phones showed massive growth, led by Galaxy A06
Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones – Q1 2025
Apple dominated the top 10 with five entries, Samsung followed with four, and Xiaomi grabbed one spot. Apple’s affordable iPhone 16e also showed strong early performance, beating previous budget models.
Ranks 1–5
- iPhone 16 (Apple)
Strongest global sales, especially in Japan, Middle East & Africa - iPhone 16 Pro Max (Apple)
Continues to dominate as a high-end device - iPhone 16 Pro (Apple)
Solid performance across multiple markets - iPhone 15 (Apple)
Still going strong one year after launch - Galaxy A16 5G (Samsung)
Popular in Americas and Asia-Pacific
Ranks 6–10
- iPhone 16e (Apple)
New budget model with strong March debut - Galaxy S25 Ultra (Samsung)
Late launch impacted early sales rank - Redmi 14C 4G (Xiaomi)
Big numbers in Middle East, Africa & Latin America - iPhone 15 Pro (Apple)
Older model still performing well - Galaxy A06 (Samsung)
Surge in demand for affordable phones under $100
Apple’s Affordable Bet Pays Off with iPhone 16e
One surprise this quarter was the strong early performance of the iPhone 16e. Launched in March 2025, the model entered the top 10 in its first full month, offering a broader feature set and sleeker design compared to the old iPhone SE.
Related: iPhone 17e Enters Trial Production, Signaling Annual Refresh Cycle
Analysts expect the 16e to remain a key volume driver, especially in price-sensitive markets.
Samsung Slips on Flagship, Rises on Budget Phones
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra landed in 7th place, down from the S24 Ultra’s 5th-place rank last year. A shorter selling period due to a late launch hurt its numbers. On the flip side, its Galaxy A06 jumped four spots, showing huge demand for sub-$100 smartphones.
Budget Phones Are Back
The global market is shifting again. Counterpoint reports a big rebound in demand for entry-level smartphones, particularly in emerging regions. Sub-$100 devices accounted for nearly 20% of all global smartphone sales in Q1 2025.
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