The sales tracking report from Counterpoint Research shows that in the first quarter of 2024, among the top ten best-selling smartphones globally, Apple and Samsung each occupy five positions, while Chinese smartphone brands including Huawei and Xiaomi are absent from the list.

Counterpoint indicates that all the smartphones in the top ten sales rankings for this quarter support 5G networks, and the trend towards high-end devices is becoming more evident. Seven out of the top ten smartphones sold are high-end models (priced at $600 and above).

Looking at the specifics of the list, Apple still firmly holds the top four positions. The iPhone 15 Pro Max ranks first with a 4.4% market share, followed by the iPhone 15 with a market share of 4.3% in second place. The iPhone 15 Pro ranks third with a 3.7% market share, while the market share of the iPhone 14 has significantly dropped to 1.9%, placing it fourth.

Comparing the list with the same period last year, it can be seen that the top four iPhone models have remained largely unchanged, all being new models (excluding the Plus variants) along with the standard version of the previous generation. However, this time the iPhone 15 Pro Max surpasses the standard version to claim the top spot, indicating an increasing consumer preference for high-end smartphones. This conclusion is also reflected in the Samsung models on the list.

Of the five Samsung models on the list during the same period last year, only one was a high-end model. However, this time Samsung has two high-end models on the list, and the most expensive Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the best market performance among all Samsung models, capturing a 1.9% market share, while the standard version of the S24 ranks ninth on the list, also performing well.

Counterpoint states that currently, the iPhone Pro series models are becoming increasingly popular, accounting for half of Apple’s total sales in the first quarter of 2024 and contributing to over 60% of revenue. This fact proves that Apple’s strategy of significantly upgrading the Pro series from the standard version and increasing the selling price is successful, as consumers are willing to pay for premium features.