Apple’s high-end models, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max, boasted impressive hardware, including Apple’s tetraprism telephoto lens upgrade. However, despite these advancements, they failed to top the best-selling smartphone list in 2024. Surprisingly, the base model iPhone 15 emerged as the best-selling smartphone of the year, according to the latest Counterpoint Research data.
This shift in consumer preference signals an interesting trend in the smartphone industry, as high-end flagships struggle to outperform their base counterparts.
While Apple’s Pro Max models packed cutting-edge internals, the iPhone 15, which lacks some of these features, still managed to outsell them. This success was largely driven by its affordability, strategic pricing, and widespread adoption in key markets like the US and China.
Top-Selling Smartphones of 2024
iPhone 15 – The best-selling smartphone of the year. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Despite being a premium model, it secured second place. iPhone 15 Pro – Another high-end variant that took the third spot. Galaxy A15 4G – A budget-friendly Samsung model that outperformed many premium devices. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Despite its late 2024 launch, it made it to the fifth position. Other Samsung and Apple models followed in the top ten rankings.
Why Did the iPhone 15 Outperform the Pro Models?
Aggressive Pricing – The iPhone 15 was significantly cheaper than the Pro models, making it more accessible. Consumer Shift to Base Models – Many users prioritized a balance of price and performance over premium features. Widespread Availability & Promotions – Carrier promotions, trade-in deals, and financing plans made the iPhone 15 a compelling choice in emerging markets.
Apple’s Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan commented:
“Apple’s base model iPhone 15 dominated the best-selling smartphone list in 2024, with the US and China accounting for nearly half of its global sales. The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro followed in second and third place, respectively.”
Pro Models Gain Popularity, But Base Models Lead Sales
Despite the iPhone 15’s dominance, consumer preference for Pro variants grew significantly. According to Counterpoint Research, for the first time ever, Pro models accounted for over half of all iPhone sales annually.
This trend suggests that while budget-conscious consumers drove high sales for base models, the Pro models attracted a growing segment of power users and professionals.
Key Factors Contributing to Premium iPhone Sales:
Trade-in Offers & Financing – These made the Pro models more affordable, especially in developing regions like India.
Increased Awareness of Advanced Features – Consumers were drawn to better cameras, displays, and AI capabilities in the Pro series.
Shift Toward Premiumization – More users opted for high-end devices due to better long-term software support and resale value.
Apple’s success in India’s top five smartphone brands list in Q4 2024 highlights how these strategies helped the company penetrate new market segments.
Apple wasn’t the only company experiencing unexpected sales patterns. Samsung’s Galaxy A15 4G and Galaxy A05 models outperformed the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s flagship device.
Samsung’s Top Performers in 2024:
Galaxy A15 4G – Ranked fourth in global sales, surpassing premium models.
Galaxy S24 Ultra – Samsung’s high-end flagship ranked seventh.
Galaxy A05 – Another budget device ranked tenth in overall sales.
This proves that affordable smartphones with solid features continue to be a major force in the market, appealing to price-sensitive consumers in emerging regions.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, which launched in Q4 2024, managed to climb to fifth place in global sales within just a few months. This suggests that the iPhone 16 series could have an even stronger impact in 2025.
Why the iPhone 16 Could Dominate 2025 Sales:
AAA Gaming Performance – The base iPhone 16 can run console-level games, making it attractive to gamers.
Generative AI Features – Unlike the iPhone 15, it supports Apple Intelligence, making it more future-proof.
Refined Camera & Display Technology – Further improvements could make it a compelling option for content creators.
With these features, it wouldn’t be surprising if the iPhone 16 surpasses the iPhone 15 in 2025’s sales rankings.
2024’s smartphone sales trends highlight an ongoing shift in consumer behavior:
Base models (like the iPhone 15 and Galaxy A15 4G) continue to dominate sales due to affordability. Pro models are gaining traction among users who value advanced features. Even premium flagships (like the iPhone 16 Pro Max) can gain popularity despite late launches.
As 2025 unfolds, Apple’s iPhone 16 series will likely see even stronger adoption, and Samsung’s budget lineup may continue to surprise the industry. The battle between affordability and premium features remains a key factor shaping the future of smartphones.
