The global smartphone market continues to thrive with remarkable growth and innovation, reaching new heights in 2024 and early 2025. Global smartphone shipments rebounded strongly, growing 7.1% to 1.24 billion units in 2024, marking the industry's recovery after two consecutive years of decline.
These smartphones provide exceptional performance across various price segments, from budget-friendly options to premium flagship devices. With advanced features like AI integration, 5G connectivity, and professional-grade cameras, these models deliver impressive user experiences that make them stand out in today's competitive market.
Best Selling Smartphones in 2025
Premium smartphones priced above $800 reached record sales volumes, with over 41 million units sold in Europe alone during 2024, driven primarily by Apple and Samsung flagship models. Here is the list of the selling best smartphones in 2025 around the world:
iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 emerged as the world's best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025, marking the return of Apple's base model to the top position after a two-year gap. This achievement represents a significant shift in consumer preferences, with buyers opting for the more affordable variant over the Pro models.
The iPhone 16's success stems from its competitive pricing strategy and enhanced feature set that bridges the gap between standard and Pro models. With the A18 chip delivering near-flagship performance, Camera Control button, and Action button, it offers premium features at a more accessible price point. Strong performance in Japan and the Middle East and Africa drove global sales, with Japan recording the highest growth in base variant sales.
iPhone 15
Despite being a previous-generation model, the iPhone 15 maintained exceptional sales performance throughout 2024, securing its position as the best-selling smartphone globally for the year. The device dominated markets in the US and China, which together accounted for nearly half of its global sales.
The iPhone 15's continued success demonstrates Apple's ecosystem loyalty and the device's compelling value proposition. Strong demand in emerging markets, supported by attractive financing plans and trade-in offers, helped Apple enter India's top five smartphone brands for the first time in Q4 2024. The device's refined design, improved camera system, and transition to USB-C contributed to its widespread appeal.
Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G entered the global top 10 smartphones list for the first time, highlighting Xiaomi's success in emerging markets. The device represented the fastest-growing segment in Q1 2025, with low-end smartphones capturing nearly 20% of total global smartphone sales.
Xiaomi's success with the Redmi 14C was driven by improved supply of low-cost components and strategic positioning in price-sensitive markets. The device gained particular traction in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, regions that together contributed three-fourths of global sales in this segment. This achievement demonstrated Xiaomi's ability to deliver compelling value propositions in budget-friendly categories.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, while ranking seventh in Q1 2025, represented Samsung's latest flagship innovation with enhanced AI capabilities and refined design. Despite facing a shorter sales window during the quarter, the device delivered stable performance and contributed significantly to Samsung's premium segment success.
The S25 Ultra's features included advanced AI integration, improved camera systems, and premium build quality that positioned it as a direct competitor to Apple's Pro models. Samsung's continued focus on the ultra-premium segment demonstrated the company's commitment to innovation and premium market positioning. The device's performance indicated strong potential for sustained success throughout 2025.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro gained significant traction in markets like Canada, rising to become the third-largest smartphone brand with an 8% market share in 2025. The device showcased Google's AI capabilities and camera excellence, appealing to users seeking pure Android experiences with advanced computational photography.
Google's focus on AI integration and software optimization differentiated the Pixel 9 Pro from competitors. The device's success in developed markets demonstrated growing appreciation for Google's approach to smartphone design and functionality. Strong camera performance and regular software updates contributed to its appeal among photography enthusiasts and Android purists.
OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R emerged as a strong performer in the premium mid-range segment, offering flagship-level performance at competitive pricing. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 50MP triple camera system, the device provided excellent value for performance-conscious users.
OnePlus's strategy of delivering flagship specifications at mid-range prices resonated with consumers seeking high-performance devices without premium pricing. The 13R's 6000mAh battery and fast charging capabilities addressed key user concerns about battery life and convenience. Strong performance in markets like India and Europe contributed to its success in the competitive mid-range segment.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra represented Motorola's return to flagship competition with premium features and competitive pricing. The device featured advanced camera systems, high-refresh displays, and fast charging capabilities that appealed to users seeking alternatives to mainstream flagship options.
Motorola's growth of 26% in Europe during 2024 demonstrated renewed interest in the brand's smartphone offerings. The Edge 50 Ultra's success was driven by its unique design language, competitive pricing, and comprehensive feature set. The device appealed to users seeking differentiated experiences from established market leaders.
Realme GT 7 Pro
The Realme GT 7 Pro gained recognition for its gaming-focused features and competitive pricing in the performance segment. With flagship processors and gaming-optimized features, it attracted users seeking high-performance devices for mobile gaming and multimedia consumption.
Realme's focus on performance per dollar resonated with younger consumers and gaming enthusiasts. The GT 7 Pro's success demonstrated the growing importance of gaming-centric features in smartphone purchasing decisions. Strong performance in Asian markets contributed to Realme's growing global presence and brand recognition.
Vivo V40
The Vivo V40 series achieved success through its focus on camera capabilities and design aesthetics, particularly appealing to photography enthusiasts and style-conscious consumers. The device emphasized portrait photography and selfie capabilities that resonated with social media-focused users.
Vivo's strength in camera technology and design differentiation helped the V40 series stand out in competitive markets. The brand's focus on emerging markets and camera-centric marketing contributed to strong sales performance. Success in regions like Southeast Asia and India demonstrated Vivo's understanding of local consumer preferences.
OPPO Find N3
The OPPO Find N3 represented innovation in the foldable smartphone segment, offering premium features and refined folding mechanisms. As one of the few successful foldable alternatives to Samsung's offerings, it demonstrated growing consumer interest in innovative form factors.
OPPO's investment in foldable technology and design excellence resulted in a device that competed effectively with established foldable smartphones. The Find N3's success indicated growing market acceptance of alternative foldable designs and OPPO's capability in premium smartphone segments. Strong performance in Asian markets validated the company's innovation strategy.
Huawei Mate 60 Pro
Despite facing international challenges, Huawei's Mate 60 Pro achieved remarkable success in China, demonstrating the brand's resilient domestic market position. The device's success was driven by patriotic sentiment and advanced technology features that appealed to Chinese consumers.
Huawei's focus on camera technology, design excellence, and ecosystem integration resonated strongly with domestic users. The Mate 60 Pro's success represented Huawei's ability to maintain market relevance despite global constraints. Strong performance in China validated the company's strategy of focusing on its home market while developing innovative technologies.
Nothing Phone 2A
The Nothing Phone 2A gained attention for its unique design language and competitive pricing in the mid-range segment. With transparent design elements and LED lighting features, it appealed to users seeking distinctive smartphone experiences.
Nothing's innovative approach to smartphone design created a niche market for users interested in unique aesthetics and functionality. The Phone 2A's success demonstrated consumer appetite for alternative design approaches in an increasingly homogeneous smartphone market. Strong performance among younger demographics validated Nothing's brand positioning and design philosophy.
Honor Magic 6 Pro
The Honor Magic 6 Pro established Honor as a significant player in the premium smartphone segment following its separation from Huawei. The device featured advanced camera systems, premium materials, and competitive pricing that challenged established flagship manufacturers.
Honor's independent growth strategy focused on innovation and value proposition, resulting in devices that competed effectively with premium offerings from major brands. The Magic 6 Pro's success demonstrated Honor's capability to develop compelling flagship smartphones. Strong performance in European and Asian markets validated the brand's global expansion strategy.
Sony Xperia 1 VI
The Sony Xperia 1 VI maintained Sony's position in the premium smartphone niche, appealing to photography and videography professionals. With professional camera features and content creation capabilities, it served specialized user segments seeking advanced multimedia functionality.
Sony's focus on professional-grade features and unique form factors differentiated the Xperia series from mainstream smartphones. The 1 VI's success among content creators and photography professionals demonstrated the viability of niche market strategies. Strong brand recognition in camera technology supported Sony's premium positioning in the smartphone market.
Asus ROG Phone 8
The Asus ROG Phone 8 dominated the gaming smartphone segment with specialized features for mobile gaming enthusiasts. With advanced cooling systems, gaming-specific controls, and high-refresh displays, it appealed to serious mobile gamers seeking competitive advantages.
Asus's specialization in gaming hardware translated effectively to the smartphone segment, creating a strong niche market position. The ROG Phone 8's success demonstrated growing demand for gaming-optimized smartphones. Strong performance among esports enthusiasts and mobile gaming communities validated Asus's gaming-focused strategy.
Conclusion
The global smartphone market in 2025 demonstrates remarkable diversity and innovation across all price segments. From Apple's continued dominance with the iPhone 16 series to Samsung's strength in both premium and budget categories, manufacturers are successfully catering to varied consumer needs and preferences.
Chinese brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo reflect growing global competition and innovation in smartphone technology. With AI integration, 5G connectivity, and advanced cameras becoming standard features, consumers have plenty to choose from. To dropship smartphones, try Alidrop today!
