Best-Selling Mobile Phones of 2025 Reviewed

In the fast-paced world of technology, 2025 has proven to be a banner year for smartphones. With global shipments reaching 295.2 million units in Q2 alone—a 1% year-over-year increase according to IDC—the market is buzzing with innovation. Consumers are demanding more from their devices: longer battery life, AI-powered features, and cameras that rival professional setups. But which phones are truly dominating sales charts?

From Apple's seamless ecosystem to Samsung's versatile Android offerings and Xiaomi's budget-friendly powerhouses, the best-selling mobile phones of 2025 cater to every need and wallet. In this in-depth review, we'll break down the top performers based on Q1 and Q2 data from Counterpoint Research and IDC, highlighting key specs, pros, cons, and why they're flying off shelves. Whether you're searching for the best smartphone 2025 or the top Android phone, we've got you covered.

1. Apple iPhone 16: The Uncontested Global Leader

Kicking off our list is the iPhone 16, which claimed the crown as the world's best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025. Apple's base model didn't just lead; it outsold competitors by a wide margin, capturing hearts with its refined design and AI smarts. Priced starting at $799, it's a steal for what it offers.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz refresh rate
• Processor: A18 Bionic chip
• Camera: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide; 12MP front
• Battery: Up to 20 hours of video playback
• Storage Options: 128GB to 512GB
• Unique Features: Apple Intelligence AI suite, Action Button, Camera Control button

Pros

• Blazing-fast performance for gaming and multitasking—nearly on par with Pro models.
• Exceptional battery life that lasts a full day, even with heavy AI use like photo editing.
• Seamless integration with other Apple devices, making it ideal for iOS loyalists.

Cons

• No 120Hz ProMotion display, which feels dated compared to Android rivals.
• Base storage (128GB) fills up quickly for media-heavy users.

Why It's Selling Like Hotcakes: The iPhone 16 narrowed the gap between base and Pro models, delivering premium features at a mid-tier price. It sold particularly well in Japan and the Middle East, where reliability trumps flash. If you're eyeing the best iPhone 2025, this is it—perfect for everyday users who want polish without the premium price tag.

2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Power Users' Dream Machine

Hot on the heels of the standard iPhone 16, the Pro Max secured second place globally, with all four iPhone 16 variants cracking the top 10. Starting at $1,199, this beast is for those who demand the absolute best in camera and display tech.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion
• Processor: A18 Pro chip
• Camera: 48MP fusion main + 48MP ultrawide + 12MP 5x telephoto; 12MP front
• Battery: Up to 29 hours of video playback
• Storage Options: 256GB to 1TB
• Unique Features: Advanced Apple Intelligence, titanium frame, spatial video recording

Pros

• Unmatched camera system for pro-level photography and 4K video with cinematic modes.
• Largest, brightest display in Apple's lineup—ideal for streaming and editing.
• Seven years of software updates, ensuring longevity.

Cons

• Hefty price and size make it less pocket-friendly.
• Overkill for basic tasks like calls and browsing.

Why It's a Top Seller: In Europe, it topped charts with 6% market share in Q1, appealing to creators and execs who value endurance and ecosystem lock-in. For the best camera phone 2025, look no further.

3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Android's Flagship King

Samsung reclaimed ground in 2025, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra ranking high in super-premium sales—surpassing Apple in India's $800+ segment with 49% share. At $1,299, it's a powerhouse blending AI, foldable vibes, and S Pen support.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Camera: 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x + 50MP 5x telephoto; 12MP front
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W wired charging
• Storage Options: 256GB to 1TB
• Unique Features: Galaxy AI (real-time translation, photo editing), S Pen stylus

Pros

• Versatile zoom camera system that excels in low light and portraits.
• Smooth software with seven years of updates—best in Android.
• Expandable productivity with the included stylus.

Cons

• Bloatware in One UI can feel cluttered.
• Charging speeds lag behind competitors like OnePlus.

Why It's Selling: Budget-conscious power users love its AI tricks, like instant note summarization. It's the best Android phone 2025 for multitaskers, especially in emerging markets.

4. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Budget Beast on a Roll

Proving affordability wins, the Galaxy A16 5G is Samsung's mid-range star, rounding out the top 5 with strong Q1 performance. At under $300, it's a gateway to 5G without breaking the bank.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh
• Processor: Exynos 1330
• Camera: 50MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro; 13MP front
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W charging
• Storage Options: 128GB (expandable via microSD)
• Unique Features: Knox security, four years of OS updates

Pros

• Vibrant AMOLED screen for media consumption.
• All-day battery that outperforms pricier rivals.
• Reliable 5G connectivity in urban areas.

Cons

• Camera struggles in low light.
• Plastic build feels less premium.

Why It's Popular: In developing regions, it's the best budget phone 2025, offering Samsung's ecosystem at entry-level pricing. First-time buyers are snapping it up.

5. Xiaomi Redmi 14C: Value-Packed Entry-Level Winner

Xiaomi's Redmi 14C surprised many by entering the top 10, thanks to its dirt-cheap price and solid specs—ideal for emerging markets. Starting at $150, it's a volume seller in Asia and Africa.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.88-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
• Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth; 5MP front
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 18W charging
• Storage Options: 64GB to 128GB (expandable)
• Unique Features: IR blaster, FM radio

Pros

• Massive screen for entertainment on a dime.
• Smooth scrolling for budget gaming.
• Long software support for its class.

Cons

• LCD display lacks OLED punch.
• Bloatware-heavy MIUI skin.

Why It's Selling: It's the go-to for cost-sensitive buyers seeking basics like calls, social media, and light photography—pure best cheap phone 2025 vibes.

Honorable Mentions: Other Hot Contenders

• Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: AI photography wizard with seven years of updates; best for Google fans ($999).
• OnePlus 13: Battery champ lasting 19+ hours; value flagship at $899.
• Poco X7 Pro: Mid-range speed demon topping some September lists ($400).

What Makes a Phone "Best-Selling" in 2025?

Sales aren't just about hype—they're driven by real-world needs. Apple dominated with five top-10 spots in Q1, thanks to AI features like real-time translation and photo enhancement. Samsung countered with AI across budgets, while Xiaomi and Transsion (with brands like Infinix) fueled growth in affordable segments, shipping 25.1 million units in Q2.

Key trends? Battery life (5,000mAh+ is standard), AI integration, and seven-year updates. Globally, Android grew in China and the U.S., but iOS holds premium sway.

Pick Your Perfect Match

The best-selling mobile phones of 2025 prove variety is king: iPhones for ecosystem lovers, Samsung for versatility, and Xiaomi for value. If you're upgrading, consider your priorities—camera? Battery? Price? The iPhone 16 edges out as our overall pick for balanced excellence.