The iPhone 16 was the world’s best-selling smartphone for the third consecutive quarter in Q3 2025, according to new market data. Apple’s latest base model continued its remarkable run, capturing a 4% volume share of the global market. Consequently, Apple solidified its dominance by claiming the top four spots in the rankings, while Samsung filled most of the remaining top ten with its popular mid-range Galaxy A-series models.
Q3 2025 Rankings: Apple’s Top-Tier Dominance
Market research firm Counterpoint Research released its Global Handset Model Sales Tracker for the third quarter. The data reveals a clear hierarchy led by Apple’s flagship series.
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A06
- Samsung Galaxy A36
- Samsung Galaxy A56
- Samsung Galaxy A16 4G
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
Collectively, these top 10 models accounted for a significant 20% share of the total smartphone market.
Key Drivers Behind the iPhone 16’s Sustained Lead
The standard iPhone 16 maintained its lead despite the launch of the newer iPhone 17 series. Analysts point to two primary factors for its resilience. First, strong festive promotions in India boosted sales significantly. Second, a sustained market recovery in Japan helped cushion the typical seasonal decline following a new iPhone launch. This performance highlights the enduring appeal of Apple’s base flagship model in key global markets.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max secured the second and third spots, though they experienced a steeper sales decline as more consumers in major markets like China, the UK, and the US opted for the latest iPhone 17 models. Perhaps the most notable entry was the iPhone 16e in fourth place. Its success is attributed to catering to a budget-conscious segment that prioritizes the Apple ecosystem over having the latest features.
Samsung’s Strategy: Strength in the Mid-Range
While Apple locked down the premium segment, Samsung secured the next five positions—all with its cost-effective Galaxy A-series devices. The Galaxy A16 5G led Samsung’s pack at fifth place. Its presence, alongside models like the A06, A36, A56, and A16 4G, underscores Samsung’s powerful strategy of dominating the volume-driven mid-range market worldwide.
Significantly, no Samsung flagship models from the Galaxy S or Galaxy Z (foldable) series appeared in the top ten. This indicates that while Samsung’s premium devices drive innovation and brand prestige, its A-series remains the volume engine for global market share.
Market Outlook: The Rising Mid-Range AI Factor
The report suggests the mid-range segment’s strong presence in the top rankings will likely continue. A key driver is the increasing integration of generative AI features into more affordable smartphones. As these AI capabilities trickle down, they make mid-range devices more competitive and deliver greater value. Consequently, this trend is bridging the user experience gap between mid-range and flagship models, reshaping consumer expectations and buying patterns.
A Tale of Two Market Leaders
The Q3 2025 sales rankings illustrate the distinct, successful strategies of the market’s two giants. Apple continues to command the premium segment with unmatched loyalty and a multi-model flagship approach. Meanwhile, Samsung exerts overwhelming influence in the mid-range through its broad and popular A-series portfolio. Together, their models formed the entire top ten, demonstrating their consolidated power in the global smartphone landscape.
