Apple's iPhone 16 dominated as the world's best-selling smartphone in Q3 2025, securing the top spot for the third straight quarter with a 4% global volume share. Samsung filled the rest with mid-range Galaxy A models, as Apple and Samsung together claimed all top 10 positions, accounting for 20% of total shipments.
Top 10 Rankings
Counterpoint Research data highlights Apple's sweep of the top four spots, driven by festive sales in India and Japan recovery, while iPhone 17 Pro Max entered at tenth amid replacement demand.
| Brand | Model | Q3 '25 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 16 | 1 |
| Apple | iPhone 16 Pro | 2 |
| Apple | iPhone 16 Pro Max | 3 |
| Apple | iPhone 16e | 4 |
| Samsung | Galaxy A16 5G | 5 |
| Samsung | Galaxy A06 | 6 |
| Samsung | Galaxy A36 | 7 |
| Samsung | Galaxy A56 | 8 |
| Samsung | Galaxy A16 4G | 9 |
| Apple | iPhone 17 Pro Max | 10 |
Apple's Premium Power
iPhone 16 restricted seasonal decline post-iPhone 17 launch, boosted by promotions in key markets like the US, UK, and China. Pro models dipped sharper as upgrades shifted to iPhone 17, yet Apple grabbed five spots overall.
Samsung's Mid-Range Mastery
Galaxy A-series models thrived on AI features like "Awesome Intelligence," faster charging, and long software support, targeting emerging markets in Latin America and MEA. LTE variants like A16 4G and A06 dominated budget segments, with no flagships in sight.