The 20 Most Popular Smartphones of 2025: Top Picks Revealed

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on the most sought-after smartphones of the year. Here are the Top 20 phones that generated the most search interest over the past 12 months. We have included devices launched in November 2024 to ensure they receive fair representation.

Is this list what you expected? While many phones on this list are expected, several surprises have made their way into the rankings. Additionally, we must address industry trends regarding 4G/5G technology and foldable devices.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra secured the top position by a significant margin, which aligns with our expectations. This model has become the most popular generation of the Galaxy S series in recent years, with the Ultra variant once again outselling its counterparts. While it didn't outsell them combined, it still accounted for the majority of sales.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra • Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Similarly, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max found its place within the Top 5, which was anticipated. It featured a comprehensive redesign, revitalizing the previously stale Pro design. Enhanced telephoto and selfie cameras provided compelling reasons to consider an upgrade, although some users hesitated due to the aluminum body, which is prone to scratches.

Samsung's mid-range A-series remains exceptionally strong, with the Galaxy A56 capturing the second spot, demonstrating the brand's success across various price segments. The Galaxy A36 at #6 and the Galaxy A16 at #9 further underscore Samsung's ability to cater to diverse consumer budgets.

Samsung Galaxy A56 • Samsung Galaxy A36 • Samsung Galaxy A16

Notably, the Galaxy A16 is a 4G device, and it shares the ranking with two other 4G phones: the Redmi Note 14 4G and the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ 4G. The inclusion of three 4G models in the Top 20 was unexpected. All three feature OLED displays (ranging from 6.67” to 6.78”), boast an IP54 rating, and utilize similar chipsets (Helio G99 and G100). They also come with microSD slots; however, only the Redmi offers a high-resolution camera (108MP) and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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

Another surprise is the presence of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge at #14 and the Apple iPhone 17 Air at #18. Despite both companies not disclosing official sales figures, industry reports suggest they performed poorly, accompanied by negative feedback from consumers.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (vs. S25 Ultra on the left) • Apple iPhone 17 Air

The only other iPhone in the Top 20 is the unexpected iPhone 16e. Typically, the standard iPhone model of the year is a popular choice due to its balance of price and features. However, this year, it has been overshadowed by the less-capable but similarly-priced 16e.

Apple iPhone 16e • Poco X7 Pro

The Poco X7 Pro has gained considerable popularity, ranking at #3—a significant achievement. It exemplifies Poco's value-for-money philosophy, consistently selling below its MSRP.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 stands out as the only compact phone on this list—there are no iPhone 17/17 Pro, no Pixel 10 Pro, and no options from vivo or OnePlus. Does this mean compact phones lack popularity, or is the S25 simply the affordable Galaxy S model? Regardless, its #4 ranking indicates its popularity, while the S25+ fails to appear on the list despite its modest price increase.

Samsung Galaxy S25 (and its larger siblings) • OnePlus 13

Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13 may be remembered as the last truly great flagship for the brand. Or, perhaps the upcoming 15 model will regain consumer trust and win over fans within the next year.

Although the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ did not achieve popularity levels similar to the Poco X7 Pro, their impressive 200MP camera certainly drew attention. In contrast, the more powerful Redmi Turbo 4 Pro impressed consumers with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and 7,550mAh battery.

Redmi Note 14 Pro • Redmi Note 14 Pro+

Could the Xiaomi 15 Ultra be deemed the best camera phone of 2025? Many believe it surpassed the Galaxy S25 Ultra, making it the most popular choice among other 'Ultra' phones.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra • iQOO 13

The Honor X9c claimed the #11 position with its curved 6.78” OLED display and 108MP camera, becoming the sole Honor device on this list, surpassing its more prestigious Magic series siblings.

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro also deserves mention for being part of the budget-friendly premium smartphone segment, showcasing features such as its 6.78” OLED display (with a 144Hz refresh rate).

Tecno Camon 40 Pro

Lastly, while the iQOO 13 occupies the #20 position, it would likely have ranked higher with a greater market presence. It features a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, decent camera capabilities, and offers excellent value. OnePlus would be on notice if iQOO had more expansive market reach.

This concludes our rundown of this year's Top 20 smartphones. Did you notice what was missing? Unsurprisingly, Google’s Pixel devices are absent, but what's more surprising is that not a single foldable phone made the list. Given the extensive promotions surrounding Motorola's Razr devices, Samsung's first Z Flip FE, the highly improved Z Flip7, and Z Fold7, one would expect at least one to feature in this ranking. Additionally, other foldables from Xiaomi, Honor, and vivo did not appear either, despite the foldable market seeing a 14% growth in Q3. It seems that foldables, although growing, remain a niche market.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy A56

Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro