iPhone 15 tops global bestselling list

By Phong Ngo   February 4, 2025 | 07:05 pm PT
The iPhone 15 was the world's top selling smartphone in 2024 as Apple and Samsung monopolized the global top 10 rankings for a third straight year.

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s standard iPhone, Pro Max and Pro models retained the top three spots from 2023. Apple’s other phones in the top 10 were the iPhone 16 Pro Max (fifth), iPhone 14 (eighth) and iPhone 16 Pro (ninth).

Samsung secured the other four spots, an increase by one from three in 2023.

Analyst Karn Chauhan noted that the U.S. and China accounted for nearly half of global iPhone 15 sales.

For the first time Pro models made up the majority of iPhone sales.

"Attractive financing plans and trade-in offers on iPhones contributed to the premiumization trend and made the iPhone more accessible to a wider audience, particularly in emerging markets," Chauhan said.

"This trend led to more consumers opting for the latest iPhone, helping Apple enter the Q4 2024 list of India's top five smartphone brands for the first time ever."

The iPhone 15. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

The iPhone 15. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

For the first time since 2018 a Galaxy S series device entered the top 10 in the form of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

More than half of Galaxy S24 sales in 2024 came from the U.S. and western Europe, slightly down from 60% in 2023. Samsung also expanded into emerging markets like the Middle East and Africa.

The Galaxy A15 series (5G and 4G) outperformed its predecessor, the Galaxy A14, rising to a higher ranking in 2024. The A15 saw its highest growth in North America, driven by strong promotions and positive consumer reviews.

Counterpoint Research predicted generative AI would be a key differentiator in premium smartphones in 2025.

"In 2024 five of the top 10 smartphones featured GenAI capabilities. We expect an increase in the number of GenAI-enabled smartphones in 2025."

 
 
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