Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones in the United States in 2025
The U.S. smartphone market in 2025 has been a battleground dominated by innovation, with Apple maintaining its iron grip on over 49% market share despite a slight dip from previous years, while Samsung clawed back to 31% through aggressive AI integrations and foldable expansions. Shipments reached approximately 133 million Android devices alone, reflecting a 3.2% global uptick, but U.S. consumers prioritized premium features like on-device AI, superior cameras, and long-term software support. Drawing from Q1 through Q3 data by analysts like Counterpoint Research, IDC, and Canalys, as well as real-world sales trends from retailers and refurbished platforms, here are the top 10 best-selling models. These aren’t just the “best” on paper—they’re the ones Americans actually bought in droves, blending flagships with value plays.
1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The undisputed sales king, the iPhone 16 Pro Max captured hearts (and wallets) with its titanium build, A18 Pro chip powering full Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP triple-camera system that excels in low-light and cinematic video. Priced starting at $1,199, it accounted for nearly 20% of U.S. smartphone sales in Q2, appealing to pros who demand the ecosystem lock-in and seven years of updates. Why it sold: Battery life hit all-day records, and trade-in deals made upgrades irresistible.
2. Apple iPhone 17
Apple’s “standard” flagship shook up the lineup by borrowing ProMotion 120Hz displays and upgraded cameras at a sub-$999 price point, making it the go-to for 65% of iPhone upgraders. Its 6.1-inch OLED screen and A19 chip deliver seamless Siri 2.0 AI without the Pro premium. Sales surged post-launch in September, hitting 15% market share by October, as budget-conscious buyers ditched older models.
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s beastly Android flagship, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, S Pen stylus, and 200MP main camera plus 5x optical zoom, redefined productivity for power users. Starting at $1,299, it grabbed 12% of sales thanks to Galaxy AI features like real-time translation and note summarization. Foldable fans loved its 6.8-inch anti-reflective display—preorders were up 25% YoY.
4. Apple iPhone 16
The entry-level iPhone 16 kept the momentum with Dynamic Island, USB-C, and solid 48MP cameras, undercutting the Pro at $799. It dominated carrier deals and family plans, securing 10% of the market as a “future-proof” base model with full AI access. Its lightweight titanium edges and all-day battery made it a staple for everyday users.
5. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Proving budget kings still rule, this mid-ranger at $399 offered IP67 water resistance, a 50MP camera, and four years of updates—outpacing flashier rivals in volume sales. It hit 8% share among value seekers, especially in refurbished channels, where over 60 million recycled units flew off shelves in 2025.
6. Google Pixel 10 Pro
Google’s AI maestro, with Tensor G5 chip enabling Gemini Live transcription and Magic Editor photo tweaks, sold like hotcakes at $999 for its clean Android experience and unmatched computational photography. It claimed 7% of sales, boosted by seven-year support and a compact 6.3-inch form—ideal for shutterbugs ditching iOS.
7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Foldables exploded 51% YoY, and this 7.6-inch inner-screen titan at $1,999 led the charge with multitasking prowess and Flex Mode for hands-free video. It snagged 5% premium sales, drawing early adopters with improved durability and AI-enhanced coverscreen apps.
8. Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The smaller Pro sibling mirrored its Max counterpart’s prowess in a 6.3-inch package, perfect for one-handed use. At $999, it appealed to compact enthusiasts, contributing to Apple’s Pro lineup’s 30% combined dominance through superior video stabilization and ecosystem perks.
9. Motorola Moto G 2025
The ultimate underdog at under $200, this budget champ surprised with a 6.5-inch 120Hz display, 50MP camera, and stock Android—outselling flagships in sheer units via carrier subsidies. ZDNET readers crowned it a “Cinderella story” for 4% market penetration among cost cutters.
10. Google Pixel 8a
Lingering from 2024 but refreshed in sales, the $499 Pixel 8a delivered flagship AI and cameras in a mid-range body, with 5% share in early 2025. Its seven-year updates and clean software made it a refurbished favorite, especially for Android purists avoiding bloatware.
Key Trends Shaping 2025 Sales
- AI Everywhere: 65% of top sellers featured on-device processing, from Apple’s Intelligence to Samsung’s Galaxy AI, driving upgrades.
- Foldable Boom: Up 51%, but still niche at 5-7% total share—Samsung owns 80% of U.S. foldables.
- Sustainability Shift: Refurbished sales hit record highs, with platforms like Swappa moving millions of iPhone 11s and 16s.
- Market Shakeup: Apple’s lead narrowed as Samsung’s A-series and Google’s Pixels gained on value and innovation.
As Black Friday looms, expect deals to shuffle this list further. Whether you’re chasing pixels or practicality, 2025 proves smartphones are more than gadgets—they’re lifelines. Which one’s in your pocket?
