Top 20 Most Popular Phones of 2025: Key Models and Trends Revealed

As 2025 comes to a close, we review the year’s top 20 most searched smartphones, including those launched as recently as November 2024 to give them a fair chance in the rankings.

Some results were expected, while others were surprising. Notably, the list highlights ongoing industry trends such as the persistent presence of 4G devices and the absence of foldable phones in the top ranks.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra secured the number one spot decisively. It stands out as Samsung’s most popular Galaxy S generation in recent years, with the Ultra model outperforming its siblings, though not surpassing their combined sales.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra • Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max also placed within the top five, as anticipated. Its major redesign and improved telephoto and selfie cameras offered strong incentives for upgrades, despite concerns over its scratch-prone aluminum body.

Samsung’s mid-range A-series continues to dominate, with the Galaxy A56 ranking second. The Galaxy A36 at sixth and the Galaxy A16 at ninth further demonstrate Samsung’s successful coverage across multiple price points.

Samsung Galaxy A56 • Samsung Galaxy A36 • Samsung Galaxy A16

Interestingly, three 4G phones made the top 20—Galaxy A16, Redmi Note 14 4G, and Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ 4G. Each features OLED displays (6.67" to 6.78"), IP54 ratings, and similar chipsets (Helio G99/G100). While all offer microSD slots, only the Redmi Note 14 includes a 108MP camera and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Redmi Note 14 4G • Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ 4G

Unexpectedly, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (ranked 14th) and Apple iPhone 17 Air (18th) appeared despite reportedly poor sales and negative online feedback.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (shown next to the S25 Ultra) • Apple iPhone 17 Air

Only one additional iPhone made the list—the iPhone 16e. Unlike previous years where the vanilla model dominated, it was supplanted by the less powerful yet similarly priced 16e variant.

Apple iPhone 16e • Poco X7 Pro

At number three, the Poco X7 Pro delivered impressive value-for-money, reinforcing Poco’s reputation. It has consistently sold below MSRP throughout the year.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the sole compact phone featured. Other small devices like the iPhone 17/17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro were absent, possibly indicating diminished interest in smaller flagships. The S25’s popularity at fourth place suggests size played a role, as the similarly priced S25+ did not make the cut.

Samsung Galaxy S25 and siblings • OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 may be remembered as OnePlus’s final flagship of its kind, although future models might challenge this perception.

Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ generated excitement with their 200MP cameras, while the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro attracted attention thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and substantial 7,550mAh battery.

Redmi Note 14 Pro • Redmi Note 14 Pro+

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra was arguably the best camera phone of 2025, outperforming the Galaxy S25 Ultra and leading among Ultra-tier models.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra • iQOO 13

The Honor X9c achieved 11th place with its curved 6.78" OLED and 108MP camera, standing out as Honor’s sole entry, surpassing its Magic series counterparts.

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro impressed as a premium-feeling budget phone, featuring a 144Hz curved 6.78" OLED display.

Tecno Camon 40 Pro

The iQOO 13 landed at 20th place; wider availability could have boosted its ranking. This Snapdragon 8 Elite device offers solid performance and camera capabilities, posing strong competition to brands like OnePlus.

Notably absent are Google Pixel models and any foldable phones. Despite increased foldable sales and Samsung’s record-setting numbers, no foldable device made the top 20, suggesting foldables remain niche.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy A56

Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro