5 highest-shipping smartphones in North America in 2025: What Americans bought most
In North America, a few standout smartphones in 2025 shaped most of the market, and each one targets a different type of user. At the entry level, buyers want strong everyday performance, reliable cameras, and a low price that still feels worth it. In the mid-range, phones start to add smoother displays, better zoom, and more advanced photo tools that appeal to users who like a bit more control. At the top end, flagship devices push hard on speed, battery life, display quality, and cooling systems designed for gaming and heavy multitasking. So what were the 5 highest-shipping smartphones in North America in 2025?
Apple continues to dominate much of the premium space with several distinct options that balance price, performance, and size. Samsung also holds a strong position in the budget category with devices that focus on value without cutting key features. Without more delay, let’s check out each of these five picks.
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 sits as the tiniest and cheapest model in the 16 line, starting at $699. This standard iPhone was the top choice in North America, grabbing 10% of all sales.
I see a couple of features that, in addition to the lower cost, make the iPhone 16 a strong choice. The dual lens camera system on the back gives solid results, capturing good photos with little effort. The photographic styles feature and macrophotography bring a fun, creative touch. What’s more, the action button from the 15 Pro also stands out as very useful for one-press access to your most used app or tool.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
If you want the biggest iPhone screen, the best battery life, and the highest storage option, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands as the pick, if you accept the high price. About 8% of North America’s smartphone buyers chose the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,199.
The phone brings a full redesign that some users see in different ways. Apple moved away from titanium bodies from the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro and shifted to aluminum, which spreads heat better. Apple also added a vapor chamber cooling system to help manage heat. That helps gamers since the 17 Pro Max stays cool during a long match.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (7% of total sales) includes every trait a super-gadget should have. If you grab a shot with the 48-megapixel wide lens or the main 48-megapixel sensor, you will like the look. But the main thing that draws me to the iPhone 16 Pro Max is that 120-Hz screen speed. It provides a massive jump in fluid motion over the 60-Hz glass on the base iPhone 16 or 16 Plus.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, at 7% of total shipments, brings all the features you expect from a top-tier phone. Photos from the 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP Fusion camera look strong. The 120 Hz screen refresh rate stands as the main draw for me. It brings smoother motion and stronger response than the 60 Hz panels on the base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Samsung Galaxy A16
Samsung Galaxy A16
Related: AirDrop on Samsung: How it affects my view on switching phones
The Samsung Galaxy A16 delivers strong performance, solid durability, and reliable support, making it North America’s favorite Android phone under $200. Many budget phones cut corners with weak performance, poor displays, low-quality cameras, and short battery life. The Galaxy A16 avoids these compromises.
It also builds on the Galaxy A15 with a larger display, faster performance, improved durability, and better cameras, all at the same price. That balance helped it secure fifth place in North America with a 5% market share.
Parting thoughts
I find it fascinating how the North American market remains a tug-of-war between high-end luxury and essential value. While I’m impressed by the sheer engineering of the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s cooling systems, seeing a budget-friendly device like the Galaxy A16 hold its own proves that reliability doesn’t always need a four-digit price tag. You should consider which of these priorities—whether it’s the cutting-edge refresh rates of a flagship or the practical longevity of an entry-level model—truly aligns with your daily habits before making your next upgrade.
