In 2022, Apple became the first brand to claim eight spots on the list of the top ten best-selling smartphones, according to Counterpoint Research’s Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker. Samsung captured the remaining two positions. The top ten smartphones represented 19% of total global smartphone sales in 2022, consistent with 2021 figures.
iPhone 13 The Best-selling Smartphone of 2022
The iPhone 13 emerged as the top-selling smartphone of 2022, accounting for 28% of all iPhone sales. It dominated major markets, including China, the US, UK, Germany, and France. The iPhone 13 maintained its number one position each month from its September 2021 launch until August 2022. Price reductions after the iPhone 14 series’ release further boosted iPhone 13 sales in developing markets, with sales being twice that of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the second best-selling smartphone in 2022.
Pro Max Variants Outsell Other iPhone Models
For the first time, a Pro Max iPhone variant outsold its Pro and base models in 2022, helping the iPhone 14 Pro Max secure the third spot on the list. The iPhone 14 Pro Max led sales for September, October, and November 2022. Key improvements in the iPhone 14 Pro series, such as dynamic island and a faster processor, made it more appealing, as the base model is nearly identical to the previous year’s model.
Older iPhones and Samsung Models Make the List
The iPhone 12, 2021’s best-selling smartphone, was the oldest model in the top ten for 2022. The iPhone SE 2022, one of the most compact phones in the industry, claimed the tenth spot. Samsung’s entry-level Galaxy A13 and Galaxy A03, both LTE smartphones, were the only non-Apple devices on the list, with a more evenly distributed regional contribution than iPhones.
Expectations for the Smartphone Market in 2023
The top ten smartphones’ market share is predicted to grow in 2023 as brands focus on clearing inventory and optimizing launches. Brands are also expected to streamline their portfolios in 2023 to minimize cannibalization, with the number of active smartphone models in the global market dropping from over 4,200 in 2021 to around 3,600 in 2022. Meanwhile, brands will concentrate on premiumizing their portfolios to increase profitability.
