With these markets struggling to stand out for years now, it's time to choose the best-selling cell phones in history. Here we put side by side the most traditional models and the most recent to hit the market. The list is long and the winner was certainly not expected.
The data reveals that in 2021, the world had 7,1 billion mobile phone users, around 90% of the global population. Cell phones are one of humanity's most ubiquitous pieces of technology today, and these modern, sleek devices are a far cry from their rugged, rugged predecessors.
With data from Wikipedia, Yahoo Finance and other sources, it was possible to draw up a list of cell phone sales that were completely successful. At the top of the list of best-selling mobile phones of all time is the well-known Nokia 1100, recording more than 250 million sales in six years, before being discontinued in 2009.
Despite existing at the same time as the first smartphones (the Nokia E-series first and then the iPhone), the Nokia 1100 was successful. The 1100's price, focus on basic features and size have made it a favorite cell phone in developing countries.
In second place, another variant in the same line, the Nokia 1110, sold 248 million units. In third place is the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, with 222 million units combined. Their 4,7-inch and 5,5-inch screens ushered in the era of big-screen smartphones and continue to be Apple's best-selling iPhones and best-selling smartphones of all time.
The next 17 positions for best-selling cell phones are divided between Nokia and iPhones. Only the Samsung E1100 (ranked 11th) and the Motorola Razr V3 (ranked 17th) managed to break this monopoly.
| Bestsellers of 2022 | 2022 Sales | Bestsellers of 2023 | 2023 Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | 55 million | iPhone 14 Pro Max | 31 million |
| Galaxy A13 | 35 million | iPhone 14 | 26 million |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 29 million | iPhone 14 Pro | 24 million |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 23 million | iPhone 13 | 22 million |
| iPhone 11 | 21 million | Galaxy A14 | 20 million |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 19 million | Galaxy A14 5G | 14 million |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 18 million | Galaxy A54 5G | 14 million |
| Galaxy A03 Core | 18 million | Galaxy s23 ultra | 13 million |
| iPhone 14 | 17 million | Galaxy A04e | 11 million |
| Galaxy A03 | 16 million | Redmi 12C | 11 million |
Source: Data shared by Om Day. Observation: 2023 numbers are current through the third quarter of 2023.
In 2009, iPhone sales contributed about 25% to the company's revenue. In 2023, half of Apple's $383 billion in revenue came from its phones. The iPhone permanently dominates the list of the 10 best-selling phones every year.
However, Samsung's sales numbers aren't exactly mediocre either. Although the two companies' business models differ, their core equipment is typically pitted against each other. Samsung wins on battery life and mid-range and low-end options, and Apple wins on optimization and security.
Although Apple dominates the US smartphone market (52% market share), Samsung outperforms its competitor globally with a 22% market share compared to Apple's 19%.
