The global smartphone market in the second quarter of 2025 remained largely a two-horse race, with Apple and Samsung once again controlling the lion’s share of sales. Fresh data from analyst firm Counterpoint Research shows the two tech giants occupying nine of the top 10 best-selling models worldwide — leaving just one slot for Chinese rival Xiaomi’s Redmi brand.

Apple Leads the Pack

Apple’s latest lineup continues to set the pace. The iPhone 16 retained its position as the world’s best-selling smartphone for the second consecutive quarter, buoyed by its strong performance, improved battery life, and seamless integration across Apple’s ecosystem.

In second place, the iPhone 16 Pro Max held its ground as the preferred choice for users who want the largest display and most advanced cameras, while the iPhone 16 Pro rounded out the top three, catering to those seeking flagship performance in a slightly more compact package.

Apple also secured sixth place with the iPhone 16e, the budget-friendly model designed to widen entry into iOS, and tenth place with the iPhone 15, which continues to appeal to late adopters despite being last year’s release.

Samsung Holds Mid-Market Strength

Samsung’s strategy of targeting a broad customer base across price ranges paid off once again. The Galaxy A16 5G took fourth place, striking a balance between affordability and modern connectivity, while the Galaxy A06 4G claimed fifth, underscoring continued global demand for lower-cost 4G devices.

The company’s Galaxy A16 4G landed in seventh place, showing strong traction in developing markets, while its premium Galaxy S25 Ultra ranked eighth, appealing to tech enthusiasts and high-end Android users.

Redmi Breaks Through

The only non-Apple, non-Samsung model to make the list was Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C 4G, which secured ninth place. Its popularity has surged in regions such as India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where budget smartphones remain in high demand.

Market Trends

The rankings reveal three clear dynamics shaping the smartphone market in 2025:

  • Apple’s Ecosystem Effect: The company dominates the premium tier, with four models in the global top 10.
  • Samsung’s Breadth of Appeal: From entry-level 4G phones to cutting-edge flagships, Samsung continues to capture multiple segments.
  • Redmi’s Regional Success: Even in a market led by two giants, Xiaomi’s budget brand has carved out space by focusing on affordability and emerging economies.

With Apple and Samsung still commanding nearly all of the best-selling spots, the Q2 2025 charts reaffirm the industry’s ongoing duopoly — though challengers like Redmi hint at opportunities in underserved markets.