May 16, 2026, 6:45 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The global smartphone market remains fiercely competitive, yet two manufacturers continue to stand out from the competition. The first quarter of 2026 paints a clear picture: Apple and Samsung dominate the sales charts, albeit in different segments.
While Apple excels in the premium segment, Samsung secures its positions with entry-level and mid-range devices. Notably, high-priced Samsung models from the Galaxy S series did not make it into the top 10.
iPhone 17 Clearly Takes the Lead
Between January and March 2026, the iPhone 17 was the best-selling smartphone worldwide. The base model accounts for six percent of all sales. Demand was particularly strong in China, the U.S., and South Korea. Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16, sales increased by double digits.
Apple also claims the second and third spots with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro. Samsung follows in fourth place with the Galaxy A07 4G. This model sells particularly well in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Reasons include the large battery and a six-year update guarantee. The device is not available in Germany.
Another Samsung model, the Galaxy A17 5G, lands in fifth place. Apple follows again with the iPhone 16 in sixth place. Behind this model, Samsung lines up several devices: the Galaxy A56, the Galaxy A36, and the Galaxy A17 4G.
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Xiaomi Joins the Top 10
Another manufacturer appears only in tenth place. The Xiaomi Redmi A5 secures a spot in the global rankings as the most affordable device. Here, too, high demand in emerging markets plays a crucial role.
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Analysts from Counterpoint believe that the composition of the top 10 will hardly change over the course of the year. At the same time, they expect premium smartphones to gain long-term importance. If the market weakens overall, cheaper devices could be more affected.
Manufacturers Increasingly Focus on Premium Models
In line with this trend, many manufacturers are likely to focus more on high-quality smartphones. Apple currently benefits particularly from the fact that the iPhone 17 has been significantly improved compared to its predecessor without becoming more expensive. The device offers, among other things, double the storage, a 120-hertz ProMotion display, and higher camera resolution.
Samsung is also making strides in the premium segment. According to the report, the Galaxy S26 Ultra sold significantly better at market launch than its predecessor, but narrowly missed entering the top 10.