What’s Been the Best Selling Phone in the World?

Launched in 2003, the Nokia 1100 remains the king of phone sales with over 250 million units sold. Designed for simplicity and durability, it featured a flashlight, SMS capability, and a rugged body.

It became a hit in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and helped millions of people own their first phone.

The iPhone 6 series marked Apple’s entrance into the big-screen market—helping it better compete with Android rivals—and sold over 220 million units globally.

It became the top-selling smartphone model for multiple consecutive quarters after its release. Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” marketing campaign for the iPhone 6/6 Plus also gained global recognition for its innovative approach and success.

Another major win for Nokia, the 1110 sold around 250 million units and was popular in export markets where budget-friendly phones ruled. With minimal features, it became a staple in the hands of everyday users in emerging economies.

The iPhone 11 saw enormous success in North America, Europe, and India.

Equipped with Face ID, a powerful chip, and upgraded cameras, the iPhone 11 went on to sell roughly 159 million units worldwide by early 2022. It offered flagship performance at a lower price, appealing to a broad market segment.

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 remains its best-selling flagship smartphone, with about 80 million units sold. It set new standards in the Android ecosystem with software features, AMOLED display, and a strong security suite.

The Galaxy S4’s strong sales made it one of the top-selling smartphones globally in 2013, although Samsung soon faced increased competition from rival models.

With its iconic aluminum body and clamshell design, the Razr V3 sold over 130 million units and became a fashion statement in the mid-2000s. Its success changed Motorola’s position in the global market, even if only for a few years.

This phone dominated the 2019 sales charts and was especially popular in markets like India and Europe. Apple’s strategy of introducing a lower-cost model without compromising key features worked well. It was praised for its battery life, vibrant display, and ecosystem integration.

Focused on the budget segment, the Galaxy A10 brought essential smartphone features to markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

With tens of millions sold, it was an example of Samsung’s strategy to maintain a presence in every price tier.

Before U.S. sanctions hit Huawei, the P30 series achieved strong sales across Asia and parts of Europe. It was praised for its camera system, competitive pricing, and long battery life.

Huawei’s aggressive marketing and expanding product ecosystem helped fuel its rapid rise in the global smartphone market during that period.

The Oppo A5 turned out to be a surprise hit in 2019. With decent performance, long battery life, and affordable pricing, it became a go-to option for budget-conscious users. Oppo’s partnerships with carriers and retail chains boosted its sales numbers.

A standout in the entry-level market, the Vivo Y20 performed well in South Asia and Africa. It offered a solid mix of design, battery life, and app performance.

Vivo’s marketing push contributed to the Y20’s strong sales performance in its target markets.

Released in late 2021, the iPhone 13 quickly rose to become Apple’s best seller in several regions. Its improved camera, display, and battery—along with tight integration with Apple’s cloud services and security features—made it the device to beat.

From Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 8 saw massive success in India, China, and parts of Europe. It sold over 30 million units within nine months of launch, combining reliable hardware with budget pricing.

It became a favorite among first-time smartphone buyers and was frequently featured in analyst reports.

The best-selling Android phone globally in 2020, the A51 provided strong value and appeared frequently in third-party figures. Its AMOLED display, decent camera, and widespread availability made it a mainstay in Samsung’s global sales.

This model appealed to those wanting a smaller device with updated internals. It did well in Europe and the U.S., and its pricing helped Apple reach new users. With 24 million sold in its first year, it showed how a good marketing strategy and familiar design could yield strong results.

Whether sold through third-party sellers, direct channels, or bundled with services, these phones all helped their brands secure a foothold in global markets. Their success was not just about hardware—it was about marketing, features, timing, and regional relevance.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.