Though Apple is facing tariff-related pressure and a disappointing AI rollout, its iPhones were still the top-selling phones in Q1.
Five out of the top 10 best-selling models on Counterpoint Research’s global sales tracker are iPhone models. But it’s not the high-end Pro versions that top the list. In a reversal from the last two years, the base variant of the latest series, the iPhone 16, leads the chart, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, and iPhone 15.
Counterpoint notes that Apple’s Pro series faced challenges in China because of government subsidies for cheaper devices and strong competition from phone makers like like Huawei. Still, “Pro models continued to account for nearly half of Apple’s total iPhone sales for the third consecutive quarter.”
Just like last year, Android doesn’t break into the top ranks until number five with the Galaxy A16 5G, a $200 phone that earned our Editors’ Choice for affordable phones. Three other Samsung Galaxy devices appear on the list, with the budget Galaxy A06 at six, the flagship S25 Ultra at seven, and the midrange Galaxy A55 5G at nine.
Best-selling phones of Q1 2025 (Credit: Counterpoint Research)
The only device on the list not manufactured by Apple and Samsung is Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C 4G. Coming in at number eight, the budget-friendly smartphone found success in emerging markets like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
The iPhone 16 Plus comes in at number 10 to complete the list. Rumors suggest Apple might ditch the “Plus” variant in favor of an “Air” version for the iPhone 17 series.
Counterpoint Research also noted a strong debut for the iPhone 16e. It was released halfway through the quarter but was the sixth most popular phone in March. “Despite a higher price compared to the SE 2022, the 16e is expected to outperform its predecessor during its first year,” the report adds.
Recommended by Our Editors
The fastest-growing category in the first quarter was the low-end segment (phones costing less than $100), which accounted for nearly 20% of all smartphone sales globally. That might not necessarily be a good sign. Market intelligence data provider IDC forecasts just 0.6% year-on-year growth for global smartphone sales in 2025 due to high uncertainty, tariff volatility, and other macroeconomic challenges, such as inflation and unemployment in many regions.
Since April 2, when President Trump announced his reciprocal tariffs, “the smartphone industry has faced a whirlwind of uncertainty,” says Nabila Popal, senior research director with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. “While current exemptions on smartphones have offered temporary relief, the looming possibility of broader tariffs presents a serious risk.”
Apple iPhone 16e is the new affordable Apple phone
Get Our Best Stories!
A Smart, Bold Take on the Wireless World
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
About Jibin Joseph
Contributor
