Mobile phones have evolved dramatically since the first model was introduced. Today, smartphones dominate the market, but feature phones and early models paved the way for the mobile industry as we know it. Below, we take a look at the best-selling mobile phones in history and how these iconic devices reshaped the world of communication.
1. Nokia 1100 (250 million units sold)
Released in 2003, the Nokia 1100 holds the title as the best-selling mobile phone of all time. With a basic design and features, this bar phone became immensely popular due to its long battery life, simple interface, and durability. It is considered one of the most reliable mobile phones ever made, which contributed to its impressive sales.
2. Nokia 1110 (247.5 million units sold)
Following in the footsteps of the 1100, the Nokia 1110 was released in 2005. It was a similarly designed bar phone with slightly more advanced features and was known for being affordable, easy to use, and reliable. It also saw massive success, and together with the Nokia 1100, they dominate the feature phone market.
3. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus (222.4 million units sold)
The iPhone 6 series, launched in 2014, took the smartphone world by storm with its sleek design, larger screen, and improved performance. This was a game-changing release for Apple, and it remains one of the most successful smartphone lines in history. With the introduction of Apple Pay and better cameras, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus set a new standard for smartphones.
4. Nokia 105 Series (200 million units sold)
Released in 2013, the Nokia 105 was one of the most successful feature phones in history. With its basic design and affordable price, it appealed to markets in both developing and developed countries. As a no-frills phone, it became a go-to option for first-time mobile phone users.
5. iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus (174.1 million units sold)
The iPhone 6S series, launched in 2015, followed up on the success of the iPhone 6 with enhanced performance and the introduction of features like 3D Touch. The 12MP camera and improved display were major selling points, helping Apple continue to grow its market share globally.
6. iPhone 5S (164.5 million units sold)
Apple’s iPhone 5S, released in 2013, brought the Touch ID fingerprint sensor to the mainstream market. The introduction of a 64-bit processor made it one of the most powerful smartphones of its time. It’s also notable for being one of the first smartphones to offer a 64-bit chip, which paved the way for more advanced performance in future devices.
7. iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (159.9 million units sold)
Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were significant because they were the first iPhones to eliminate the headphone jack, a bold move by Apple that shifted the industry towards wireless audio. These models also introduced improved cameras and water resistance, which contributed to their popularity.
8. iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max (159.2 million units sold)
The iPhone 11 series, launched in 2019, was one of the best-selling iPhone models, with the iPhone 11 Pro Max being particularly popular due to its advanced camera system and battery life. The iPhone 11 brought night mode to the iPhone camera and featured improved performance and battery efficiency.
9. iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max (151.1 million units sold)
The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max were released in 2018 and helped Apple continue to dominate the smartphone market. With their edge-to-edge displays, Face ID, and improved camera systems, these models catered to a wide range of users, from those seeking affordable options to those looking for premium features.
10. Nokia 6600 (150 million units sold)
The Nokia 6600, released in 2003, was one of the first smartphones to gain widespread popularity. With its Symbian OS, it offered a color screen, camera functionality, and expandable storage. It set the standard for what a smartphone should be at the time and played a key role in Nokia’s dominance in the early 2000s.
11. Motorola Razr V3 (130 million units sold)
The Motorola Razr V3, released in 2004, was one of the most popular flip phones ever made. With its thin profile and premium design, it became a fashion icon in the mid-2000s. The Razr V3 was widely recognized for its sleekness and cutting-edge technology for the time.
Conclusion: Mobile Phones That Shaped History
The best-selling mobile phones have made a significant impact on the tech industry, evolving from simple feature phones to the high-performance smartphones we use today. Devices like the Nokia 1100 and iPhone 6 represent milestones in mobile phone history, each one marking a shift in consumer demand and technological capability. With brands like Apple, Nokia, Samsung, and Motorola leading the charge, these phones have helped millions of users stay connected across the globe.
