In 2025, the question “What is the most selling phone in the world?” has two different answers. It depends on whether you are looking at the current champion in stores right now or the all-time legend that still holds the record from years ago.
The world of smartphones is dominated by a fierce rivalry between Apple and Samsung, but as we move through 2025, a clear winner has emerged in the sales charts.1 This guide breaks down the best-selling phones today, the kings of history, and the trends that are driving billions of people to choose one device over another.
1. The Current King: iPhone 162
As of late 2025, the iPhone 16 is the most-sold smartphone in the world.
While the “Pro Max” models often get the most hype, the standard iPhone 16 has taken the top spot this year. Why? Because it offers the perfect balance of price and the new “Apple Intelligence” features.3
Why the iPhone 16 is Winning:
- The Global Upgrade Cycle: Millions of people who bought phones during 2020 and 2021 reached their “breaking point” in 2025 and finally upgraded.4
- Artificial Intelligence: This was the year AI became a “must-have.” The iPhone 16 was the entry point for most users to access Apple’s new AI tools without paying the $1,100+ price tag of a Pro Max.
- Emerging Markets: The iPhone 16 saw massive growth in India and Japan this year, areas where Apple has aggressively expanded its trade-in programs.5
Top 3 Sellers of 2025 (Current Models):
- iPhone 16 (Base Model)
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro
2. The All-Time Legend: Nokia 11006
Even with all our fancy AI and 48-megapixel cameras, no modern smartphone has ever beaten the Nokia 1100.
Released in 2003, this “brick phone” sold over 250 million units.7 To put that in perspective, even the most successful iPhone models usually hover around 220 million units across their entire lifespan. The Nokia 1100 was affordable, indestructible, and had a battery that lasted a week—features that made it the king of the developing world for over a decade.
The Best-Selling Smartphones of All Time:
- iPhone 6 / 6 Plus: ~222 Million units (The phone that introduced “Big Screens” to Apple).8
- iPhone 6S / 6S Plus: ~174 Million units.9
- iPhone 5S: ~164 Million units.
3. The Android Giant: Samsung’s A-Series
While Apple usually holds the #1 spot for a single specific model, Samsung often sells more phones in total.
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and the Galaxy A36 are the most-sold Android phones in the world. Samsung’s strategy is different from Apple’s: they don’t just sell one expensive flagship; they sell millions of high-quality, affordable phones to the “global middle class.”
What makes the Galaxy A-Series sell?
- The Screen: Even their budget phones now use high-end AMOLED displays.
- Durability: Samsung has brought water resistance and 4-year update guarantees to their cheaper phones, making them a smart long-term investment for families.
- Battery Life: Because they don’t have the massive power-hungry processors of a flagship, these phones often last 2 full days on a single charge.
4. The “Dark Horse”: Xiaomi Redmi 14C10
Outside of the Apple and Samsung bubble, there is one phone that consistently cracks the Top 10 list: the Xiaomi Redmi 14C.11
In regions like Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, this is the most-sold phone. It offers a massive screen and a decent camera for under $150. For millions of people entering the smartphone market for the first time in 2025, Xiaomi is the brand that makes the “mobile lifestyle” possible.
5. Summary: Market Share in 2025
The battle for the “Most Selling” title is a game of percentages. Here is how the world is divided right now:
| Brand | Global Share (2025) | Strategy |
| Apple | ~21% | Selling expensive, premium “status” devices. |
| Samsung | ~19% | Offering a phone for every price point (A, S, and Z series). |
| Xiaomi | ~13% | Dominating the budget-to-mid-range market. |
| Vivo / Oppo | ~9% each | Huge popularity in China and India with focus on cameras. |
6. How to Choose Your Next Phone in 2025
If you are looking to buy one of these best-sellers, here is a quick “human” guide:
- Buy the iPhone 16 if: You want a phone that will stay fast for 6 years and you want to use the latest AI features.
- Buy the Samsung S25 Ultra if: You want the best screen and camera zoom in the world, and you prefer the freedom of Android.
- Buy the Samsung A36 if: You want a “sensible” phone that does everything well for half the price of a flagship.
- Buy a Google Pixel 9a if: You want the smartest AI assistant and the cleanest software experience.
Final Thoughts
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In 2025, the “most selling” phone is no longer just about who has the fastest chip. It’s about longevity. People are holding onto their phones longer, so they are gravitating toward brands like Apple and Samsung that promise many years of software updates. The iPhone 16 is the king today, but the humble Nokia 1100 still holds the crown for the most important phone in history.
Would you like me to compare the specs of the top three best-sellers (iPhone 16, Samsung A16, and Redmi 14C) to see which one is the best value for your budget?
