Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones of 2026 So Far Revealed

Global smartphone sales data for the first quarter of 2026 has highlighted a strong performance from Apple, with its latest flagship leading the charts. According to a new report by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 emerged as the world’s best-selling smartphone, capturing around 6% of total global shipments during the period.

Apple Dominates the Top Rankings

The success of the iPhone 17 extended across Apple’s lineup, as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro secured the second and third spots respectively. This gave Apple a clean sweep of the top three positions worldwide.

Notably, the standard iPhone 17 widened its lead over the Pro variants compared to last year, signaling stronger consumer preference for the base model. Meanwhile, the previous-generation iPhone 16 maintained its relevance by claiming the sixth position in the rankings.

Samsung Leads Among Android Devices

In the Android segment, Samsung took the lead with the Samsung Galaxy A07 4G, which became the best-selling Android phone globally in Q1 2026. The device saw strong demand in emerging regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Samsung also placed multiple models in the top 10, including the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G and its more advanced counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, with the 5G variant achieving a higher ranking. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy A36 featured on the list, underscoring the popularity of Samsung’s A-series lineup.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Falls Just Short

Despite strong expectations, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra narrowly missed out on the top 10. Analysts noted that its later launch in March 2026 likely limited its ability to accumulate enough sales within the quarter, unlike its predecessor which debuted earlier in the year.

Xiaomi Makes a Comeback

Xiaomi also returned to the top rankings with the Redmi A5. The entry-level device gained traction in price-sensitive markets, benefiting from its affordability and focus on essential features. Like several Samsung models on the list, it primarily relies on 4G connectivity.

Market Insights and Trends

According to Counterpoint analyst Harshit Rastogi, the iPhone 17’s strong performance is driven by key upgrades, including higher base storage, improved camera capabilities, and a smoother display with an increased refresh rate.

These enhancements have helped narrow the gap between the standard and Pro models, making the base variant more appealing to a wider audience. The report also highlights double-digit year-over-year growth for the iPhone 17 in major markets such as China and the United States, while sales in South Korea reportedly tripled during the quarter.

Overall, the Q1 2026 rankings reflect a mix of premium dominance by Apple and volume-driven success from affordable Android devices, particularly in emerging markets.