Apple’s iPhone 17 was the best-selling smartphone globally during the first quarter of 2026, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. The device accounted for 6% of all smartphone sales during the quarter.
The iPhone 17 was followed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro, giving Apple the top three positions in the global rankings.
Compared to Q1 2025, the standard iPhone 17 widened its lead over the Pro models. The older iPhone 16 also remained in the top rankings, securing the sixth position.
Samsung Leads Android Segment
The best-selling Android smartphone during Q1 2026 was the Samsung Galaxy A07 4G. The 4G device performed strongly in emerging markets, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Another LTE model, the Galaxy A17 4G, also entered the top 10 list. Both phones are set to receive six major Android OS updates, although their older modem technology may become limiting in later years.
The 5G version of the Galaxy A17 ranked even higher than the LTE model. Samsung’s Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 also appeared in the rankings, highlighting the importance of the company’s A-series lineup.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Narrowly Missed List
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra did not appear in the top 10 list.
However, Counterpoint said the device narrowly missed qualification after launching later in March 2026, compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s February launch last year.
Xiaomi Returns to Top 10
Xiaomi also secured a place in the rankings with the Redmi A5.
The device is one of the company’s low-cost Android Go smartphones and, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy A07, is a 4G-focused model that gained popularity in emerging markets.
Market Performance
Harshit Rastogi, senior analyst at Counterpoint, said the iPhone 17 continued to outperform its predecessor due to upgrades including increased base storage, improved camera resolution, and a higher display refresh rate.
He added that the changes helped bring the standard model closer to the Pro variants in terms of overall value.
According to Counterpoint, the iPhone 17 recorded double-digit year-over-year growth in markets including China and the US, while sales in South Korea increased threefold during the quarter.
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After reading this, the pain of losing my Redmi A5 came rushing back. It wasn’t just a phone—it was everything important to me, gone in seconds by a pickpocket in broad daylight. Even after two weeks, the shock and frustration still linger.