The smartphone industry is packed with incredible brands competing for consumer attention. But which ones truly stand out? Based on shipment data from IDC’s worldwide smartphone report (Q3 2024), here’s a breakdown of the top 5 mobile brands you should consider in 2025 — along with the most popular models from each brand.
Top 5 Smartphone Brands in the World (Q3 2024)
| Mobile Brand | Quarterly Shipments (in millions) |
|---|---|
| Samsung | 57.8 |
| Apple | 56.0 |
| Xiaomi | 42.8 |
| OPPO (includes OnePlus) | 28.8 |
| Vivo | 27.0 |
1. Samsung
As the largest Android OEM globally, Samsung continues to dominate the smartphone market. Despite a slight year-on-year dip of 2.8% (from 59.5M in Q3 2023 to 57.8M in Q3 2024), Samsung still holds the highest market share at 18.3%. Samsung’s phones, even in the mid and lower price tiers, boast impressive designs, solid performance, and consistent software updates.
Most Popular Samsung Phones:
- Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
- Samsung Galaxy M35 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
2. Apple
Apple continues to reign supreme in the premium segment. With a strong ecosystem and loyal user base, Apple recorded 56.0 million units shipped in Q3 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase. The latest iPhone 16 series brought significant upgrades such as Camera Controls, larger displays, more RAM, and powerful new processors.
Most Popular Apple Phones:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro
3. Xiaomi
Xiaomi maintains its strength in the affordable and mid-range market while making inroads into the premium segment. With 42.8 million units shipped, Xiaomi’s mix of specs, value, and innovation makes it a top choice.
Most Popular Xiaomi Phones:
- Redmi Note 14
- Redmi Note 14 Pro
- Redmi 13 5G
- Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus
- Redmi A4
4. OPPO (Including OnePlus)
OPPO, alongside its sister brand OnePlus, recorded 28.8 million shipments in Q3 2024. Known for strong offline presence and premium designs, OPPO’s flagship Find X8 series and OnePlus’s value-for-money offerings make them powerful players.
Most Popular OPPO Phones:
- OPPO K12x
- OPPO F27 Pro Plus
- OPPO Reno 12
- OPPO Find X8
- OPPO Reno 12 Pro
Most Popular OnePlus Phones:
- OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G
- OnePlus Nord 4
- OnePlus 12R
- OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite
- OnePlus 12
5. Vivo
Vivo excels in both premium and budget segments with an emphasis on camera quality and sleek design. It shipped 27.0 million units in Q3 2024, thanks to strong offerings like the X200 series.
Most Popular Vivo Phones:
- Vivo V40
- Vivo T3 Pro
- Vivo V30
- Vivo X200
- Vivo Y300
Other Popular Mobile Brands to Watch
Even beyond the top five, several other brands are making waves:
Transsion (Tecno, Infinix, Itel)
Budget champions with an increasing number of premium models.
Popular Tecno Phones:
- Tecno Pova 6 Pro
- Tecno Spark 20
- Tecno Camon 30 5G
- Tecno Phantom X2
Popular Infinix Phones:
- Infinix GT 20 Pro
- Infinix Note 40 Pro
Honor
Previously a Huawei subsidiary, Honor is now independent and focuses on flagship-level innovation.
Popular Honor Phones:
- Honor X9B
- Honor 200 / 200 Pro
- Honor 90
- Honor Magic 6 Pro
Motorola
A veteran brand focusing on near-stock Android experiences and foldable tech.
Popular Motorola Phones:
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
- Motorola Edge 50 Pro 5G
- Moto G85
- Moto Edge 50
- Moto G35
Realme
Offers incredible value, often pushing premium features into mid-range pricing.
Popular Realme Phones:
- Realme 13 Pro Plus
- Realme Narzo 70
- Realme Narzo 70 Turbo
- Realme GT 7 Pro
- Realme P1
Huawei
Despite U.S. sanctions, Huawei has made a comeback with flagship models and in-house technology.
Popular Huawei Phones:
- Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
- Huawei Mate X5
- Huawei Mate XT Ultimate
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Brand
When selecting your next smartphone, keep these points in mind:
- Product Quality: Focus on whether the phone matches your needs and provides value for money.
- Warranty and Customer Support: Check warranty details, repair policies, and support quality.
- Ecosystem Integration: Consider brand ecosystems if you also use smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, etc.
- Brand Image and Lifestyle: Some brands carry prestige; others match specific lifestyle needs.
- Resale Value: Strong brands maintain higher second-hand values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the number 1 Android brand?
Samsung remains the number 1 Android brand based on shipment volume.
Which mobile brand is best for gamers?
It depends! ASUS ROG phones are tailored for hardcore gaming, while flagship models from Samsung, OnePlus, or Apple also perform excellently.
Which mobile brand has the best camera?
Apple’s iPhones lead the way for camera quality overall. Samsung, Vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Google Pixel devices also offer superb photography experiences.
