The latest report on smartphone sales for the second quarter of 2025 just landed. And it tells an interesting story about who’s really winning the global tech race. Apple, as expected, took the top spots. Yet, Samsung is quietly building a powerhouse with its budget-friendly phones. These cheaper models are outselling some of Apple’s own offerings. This shows a growing shift in what buyers truly value.
Apple’s Premium Grip and a Surprising Slip
Counterpoint Research confirmed that Apple still dominates the high-end market. The iPhone 16 grabbed the top spot worldwide. Right behind it were the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro. This lineup shows how much people love Apple’s premium devices. However, the iPhone 16 Plus was nowhere to be found in the top 10. This absence reveals some real struggles for that specific model.
Meanwhile, the Android world saw Samsung take the lead. Their Galaxy A16 5G became the top-selling Android phone. It landed an impressive fourth place overall. Close behind, the Galaxy A06 4G secured the fifth spot. The success of these affordable Samsung smartphones is a major highlight of the entire report.
The biggest shocker in the ranking is clear. Samsung’s entry-level models, the A16 5G and A06 4G, actually sold more units than Apple’s own lower-cost option. The iPhone 16e came in sixth place. Counterpoint Research points to price as the direct reason for this outcome.
The Price Battle: Samsung’s Mid-Range Advantage
The price tags tell the whole story. The iPhone 16e sells for 739 euros. In stark contrast, the Galaxy A16 5G costs only 180 euros. And the Galaxy A06 4G is just around 80 euros. This huge cost difference played a key role for many shoppers. It underlines a clear win for Samsung’s strategy in the middle market.
Samsung wasn’t done yet, placing more phones in the top 10. The Galaxy A16 4G took seventh place. Their premium Galaxy S25 Ultra also made the list at eighth. It keeps its strong reputation among the most popular high-end smartphones.
Breaking up the Apple and Samsung dominance, Xiaomi made an appearance. The Redmi 14C 4G reached ninth position. This shows it is a well-liked option for many. It’s especially popular in growing areas like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Sources:
Counterpoint Research Report