Global Top 10 Best-selling smartphones in Q1, 2026, revealed by Counterpoint; iPhone 17 becomes the global best-selling smartphone in this quarter
Yesterday, Counterpoint officially revealed the world’s top 10 best-selling smartphones in Q1 2026.
Global Top 10 best-selling smartphones in Q1 2026
According to the report, Apple iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1,2026, capturing 6% of global unit sales. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro models secured the second and third spots. The iPhone 16 model was in the sixth spot.
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.”
Samsung Galaxy A series captured five spots, with Galaxy A07 4G becoming the best-selling Android smartphone (contribution from emerging regions like the Middle East and Africa and Latin America). The other models were Galaxy A17 5G, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A17 5G. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra just outside the list, registered higher initial sales than its predecessor.
Xiaomi Redmi A5 secured the 10th spot and was the most affordable smartphone in the list. The top 10 models contributed 25% of global unit sales, the highest Q1 concentration ever.
In the future, the top 10 smartphone models are expected to expand their share of global unit sales. Android OEMs in mass-market segments are currently facing pressure as the ongoing memory shortage pushes up component costs.
