A new analytical report this morning notes that the top 10 best-selling smartphone models contributed 19% to the total global smartphone unit sales in 2021, compared to 16% in 2020. Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi were the only brands that made it to the 2021 top 10 list. Apple secured seven spots in the list, its highest ever. Xiaomi captured two spots and Samsung one. There were more than 4,200 active smartphone models in the global market in 2021.

The top five models in 2021 were from Apple. The iPhone 12 was the best-selling model, followed by the iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 11. The top three models contributed 41% to Apple’s total sales.

The pending demand for 5G upgrades by a strong and loyal iOS user base and push from carriers led the iPhone 12 series volumes. Besides, the delayed launch of the iPhone 12 series shifted some holiday season demand to the initial months of 2021. The latest iPhone 13 series is performing well with the iPhone 13 becoming the best-selling model in Q4 2021, followed by the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro.

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The share of the top 10 models is increasing YoY, indicating a trend of brands focusing on their leading models and making their portfolios leaner in some cases. With entry-level models facing component shortages in 2021, we also saw faster diffusion of key features in the mid-tier segment. For more Samsung and Xiaomi, read the full Counterpoint report.

Apple's iPhone SE 2020 still had staying power in 2021 coming in the 8^th spot. Today, Apple will be unveiling their next-gen iPhone SE and this could be a massive hit for Apple, being their entry level 5G iPhone.