The Most Popular Smartphones of 2017

Wrapping up our look back on 2017's device landscape, let's dig into the numbers to find out the most popular smartphones of the last year.

When we examined Android v iOS Market Share for last year, the data suggested a strong year for Android powered devices, but looking at specific handsets and models as opposed to the operating system, Apple need not worry just yet.

2018 is already shaping up to be as competitive as ever - although maybe not in terms of new handset sales, as our MWC2018 review suggests. The big two retained their clear lead over the rest of the chasing pack, but have Apple and Samsung reached a point of diminishing returns as users see no major benefit to updating to their latest offerings?

The following statistics are based on mobile web traffic to a global network of partner websites using the DeviceAtlas device detection platform.

Looking for more recent data on the most popular smartphones? Click here for our refreshed numbers and analysis.

Skip to country:

United Kingdom

Apple dominate the scene in the UK, with Samsung occupying only three spots in an otherwise Apple-flavoured top ten.

The Galaxy S6 retains its position from 2016, while the iPhone 7's introduction has knocked the 5 down the list, perhaps suggesting some Apple users are more inclined to update every two years instead of annually.

Germany, France & Spain

The same can be seen across Europe, with the iPhone 8 nowhere to be seen in the top 20 devices.

The iPhone 6, released in late 2014, is the most used phone in Germany, France and Spain.

In Germany, the Samsung Galaxy S7 raced into the top 5, pushing the iPhone 5 out of contention. In Spain, the Huawei P8 Lite remained popular throughout 2017.

Germany

France

Spain

USA and Canada

Apple once again dominate both the US and Canadian markets, and yet again it’s the iPhone 6 that comes out on top, further fuel to the theory that users simply don’t see enough benefits to upgrading. In 2016, the only non-Apple device in the top 5 was the Verizon Galaxy S5.

Was 2014 the zenith of the annual device upgrade?

USA

Canada

South America

Despite the iPhone 6, once again, claiming pole position in Brazil, Colombia and Argentina, there are notable mentions for other manufacturers.

In Argentina, Apple devices only account for two spots in the top ten, with Samsung and Motorola taking five and three respectively. In Colombia, a similar scene, with six spots going to Samsung, and one each to Motorola and Huawei.

In Brazil, however, we’re back to Apple dominance. In 2016, Android powered devices took three of the top five spots.

Brazil

Colombia

Argentina

Asia

While the iPhone takes top spot in India, Japan and Malaysia, the spread of devices in the top ten is very different.

India’s top ten is split evenly between iPhone, Samsung and Xiaomi devices. Further down the list, we can see the Oppo Neo 7, Vivo Y51L and the Lenovo K3 Note.

Japan is iPhone territory, with the 5, 6, 7 and SE models dominating the scene. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the top ranked competitor, coming in 10th spot. It’s a similar scene in Malaysia, with Samsung faring a little better – taking the 7th, 8th and 10th places.

India

Japan

Malaysia

Australia

Yet again, the strength and longevity of the iPhone 6 makes it the most popular phone, with almost 16% of total web traffic. It was also the most popular phone in 2016 (combined 6/6S stats).

The predictable split between Apple and Samsung devices continues down the list, with the Oppo F1s the only outsider, in 24th spot.

Africa

Guess which device is in top spot in both South Africa and Nigeria?

The iPhone 6.

The Huawei P8 accounted for 2.3% of mobile web traffic in South Africa, but it’s an otherwise Apple/Samsung dominated scene. Nigeria sees some more diversity, with the BlackBerry Q10 in 3rd (down from 1st in 2016), the Z10 in 8th, and the Infinix Hot Note making up the top ten.

South Africa

Nigeria

Want even more data?

Visit our Data Explorer to view stats for every device in your country or region.

With DeviceAtlas you can segment device data using up to TEST different data points – OS, browser, screen size and even GPU speed. Knowing who’s visiting your website or app can give you the knowledge you need to optimize, increase engagement and conversion – and ultimately maximise your ROI.

Main Image By Maurizio Pesce from Milan, Italia (Samsung Galaxy S6 edge vs Apple iPhone 6) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.