iPhone 16 Was Top-Selling Smartphone in Q1 2025

According to new insights from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16 led global smartphone sales in the first quarter of 2025. This is noteworthy as it’s the first instance since 2022 that a base iPhone variant has taken the lead during this period.

iPhone 16e Outshines the SE Series

Counterpoint’s report reveals that Apple nabbed five spots in the top ten sales for Q1, continuing a trend seen over the last five March quarters. Samsung accounted for four positions, while Xiaomi was the only other brand to make the list.

Although the Pro versions maintained a strong presence, it was the base iPhone 16 that generated the highest volume, particularly in Japan, as well as in the Middle East and Africa. Counterpoint attributes this surge in Japan to enhanced economic conditions and revised carrier subsidy policies that favored Apple.

In the latest report, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro took the second and third positions, respectively. These models are encountering challenges in China, as new government incentives for devices priced under CNY 6,000 (around $833) are enabling local brands like Huawei to gain more traction.

The newly introduced iPhone 16e, Apple’s more affordable model, has quickly made an impact, ranking sixth globally in its first complete month on the market in March 2025. With its expanded feature set and contemporary design, analysts predict it will significantly outperform its predecessor over the next year.

Samsung Loses Ground While Redmi Stays Steady

For Samsung, the Galaxy S25 Ultra secured seventh place this quarter, dropping two spots in comparison to the S24 Ultra’s performance during Q1 2024. The report attributes this decline primarily to a shorter selling period, as the S25 lineup launched later in the quarter.

In contrast, the Galaxy A16 5G ranked fifth overall, benefiting from robust demand in North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the Galaxy A06, Samsung’s entry-level smartphone, moved up four slots in the global top ten, buoyed by a growing interest in budget-friendly smartphones under $100.