iPhone 16 leads global smartphone sales while cheap Androids fight for share

The iPhone 16 topped global sales in first quarter 2025, giving Apple a strong lead even as budget Android phones gained ground.

An iPhone 16e rests on a wireless charging pad, partially charged, atop a white surface with a brick wall background.

Apple’s iPhone 16e

Apple’s iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025, regaining the top spot for the base model after a two-year hiatus. The company secured five of Counterpoint Research’s top 10 rankings, maintaining its momentum despite market shifts.

At the same time, demand for ultra-cheap Android phones soared, especially in emerging markets. The $100-and-under segment now makes up nearly one in five smartphones sold worldwide.

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