Apple iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026, capturing 6% of global unit sales, according to Counterpoint Research's latest Global Handset Model Sales Tracker. The iPhone 17 Series captured the top three spots, while Samsung Galaxy A Series was most represented with five models in the top 10. Xiaomi Redmi A5 secured the tenth spot.

The top 10 smartphones contributed 25% of global unit sales, the highest Q1 concentration ever. This was driven by sustained demand for the iPhone 17 series, alongside pressure on Android OEMs in mass-market segments as the ongoing memory shortage pushes up component costs.

Share of World’s Top 10 Best-selling Smartphones, Q1 2026

Commenting on Apple, Senior Analyst Harshit Rastogi said, “iPhone 17 continues to outperform its predecessor owing to key upgrades like higher base storage, camera resolution, display refresh rate bringing the smartphone closer to the Pro variants and providing overall value for larger market. The smartphone registered double digit YoY growth in key markets like China, the US and 3x in South Korea for the quarter. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro captured the following two spots, offering even more advanced capabilities across camera, battery and new colour, material and finish.”

For Samsung, Galaxy A series captured all spots in the list, delivering strong value across price segments. Samsung Galaxy A07 4G was the best-selling Android smartphone for the quarter with high contribution from emerging regions like Middle East and Africa and Latin America. The device ships with six years of software and security updates, making it attractive to buyers prioritizing long-term usability.

Samsung’s 2026 flagship, Galaxy S26 Ultra ranked narrowly missed the top 10 list, registering stronger initial sales compared to its predecessor. The key highlight for the smartphone has been the privacy display, first in the industry along with AI feature upgrades.

Xiaomi Redmi A5, captured the 10^th spot and was the most affordable smartphone in the list. The smartphone sustained its demand since launch across emerging regions.

Commenting on outlook, Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan said, “Looking ahead to 2026, the top 10 smartphone models are expected to expand their share of global unit sales. The anticipated market decline is likely to impact mass-market segments more significantly, while high-end smartphones continue to gain share. In response, OEMs are shifting focus toward premium portfolios, prioritizing value over volume.”

About Counterpoint Research 

Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm specializing in products across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients – from smartphone OEMs to chipmakers and channel players to Big Tech – through our offices located in the world's major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers. Our analyst team, led by seasoned experts, engages with stakeholders across the enterprise – from the C-suite to professionals in strategy, analyst relations (AR), market intelligence (MI), business intelligence (BI), product and marketing – to deliver services spanning market data, industry thought leadership and consulting. Our core areas of coverage include AI, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks and Infrastructure, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables. Visit our Insights page to explore our publicly available market data, insights and thought leadership, and to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation. 

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