iPhone 17 is world's top-selling smartphone, 5 reasons why it is a hit among buyers

When Apple held its fall event last year for the iPhone 17 series, most eyes were on the new Pro models in the new Cosmic Orange shade, while some looked at the iPhone Air – the thinnest iPhone ever made. However, it was the vanilla iPhone 17 that quietly pulled the rug on the rest of the smartphone market. As per a report from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 is now the world’s best-selling smartphone.

The report states that the iPhone 17 was the top-selling smartphone globally in the first quarter of 2026. The device gained a 6 per cent market share, with double-digit growth in markets like China and the US. The iPhone 17 succeeds its predecessor, the iPhone 16, which was the highest selling device in the world last year, including in India.

But before we delve deeper into why the iPhone 17 sits on the top spot, do note that the second and third spots were taken by the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro respectively. This gives Apple all the top three highest selling smartphones at the moment.

1. The one change users wanted for years

Before the iPhone 17, the vanilla iPhone was stuck to a 60Hz display only, not a 120Hz display. To give you some context, Samsung first added a 120Hz display to the Galaxy S20 series, launched in 2020. Almost five years down the line, the memes about the iPhone getting only 60Hz were getting old. And Apple finally fixed it with the iPhone 17.

The iPhone 17 joined the rest of the Apple line-up in getting ProMotion, and the device can switch from 120Hz to as low as 1Hz to save battery. For some, this was likely the one upgrade they had wanted for years, potentially making the iPhone 17 worthy of an upgrade.

2. Peak performance

The iPhone 17 is powered by Apple’s A19 chipset. While it is not as powerful as the A19 Pro you get on the Pro models, in our review, we found that the iPhone 17 was plenty powerful even for heavy users.

The device can outperform similarly priced Android rivals, even during long gaming sessions on titles such as Genshin Impact. And the average user likely never really finds themselves struggling for more power with the iPhone 17.

3. Good cameras for the price

Before you start complaining that the iPhone 17 doesn’t have a telephoto and, as such, cannot be considered to be a good camera phone, hear us out. The iPhone 17 comes with two cameras on the rear – a 48-megapixel main and a 48-megapixel ultrawide. Both sensors do the job, and do the job quite well.

For most users, you get consistent results, even in low lighting. And when it comes to video recording, the iPhone remains one of the best in business.

But the cherry on top may be the new 18-megapixel centre-stage selfie camera. This sensor basically allows you to use the selfie camera to take group selfies without having to rotate the phone. That is, the phone can take a vertical or a horizontal photo based on how many people are in the frame.

Not only is this sensor shared with the rest of the iPhone 17 line-up, but it also brings something unique that no Android phone actually offers.

4. Solid battery life and MagSafe

Gone are the days when the iPhone was infamous for poor battery life. Apple has gradually increased the battery in its iPhones, while also optimising the software for better efficiency. This brings us to the iPhone 17, a device that only really has a 3,692mAh battery. For context, the OnePlus 15 comes with a 7,300mAh battery life.

But thanks to Apple’s optimisation, the iPhone 17 still delivers impressive battery life. During our time with the device, we found that it could make it past a whole day of use on a single charge, without breaking a sweat.

And while you don’t get a charger in the box, you do get support for MagSafe, something that can be useful for those who like to use accessories with their smartphone.

5. The iPhone value

You may have seen this one coming. The iPhone remains a premium device. Many iPhone buyers buy an iPhone because it is an iPhone. The brand perception plays a big role in why people are willing to spend more on an iPhone when compared to Android rivals, and the story may be no different for the iPhone 17.

This is particularly true in markets like India, where Apple leads the premium smartphone segment. Though that is not to say that people don’t buy premium Android phones. Rather, the average user usually prefers to buy an iPhone.