Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Emerges as the Most Popular High-End Android Phone in Q1 2023

According to the latest data from Canalys, high-end smartphones priced above $500 experienced a 4.7% year-over-year growth in shipments during the first quarter of 2023. This growth stands in contrast to the overall smartphone market, which contracted by over 13% during the same period.

Unsurprisingly, Apple's iPhones dominated the top spots in this segment, with the iPhone 14 Pro Max leading the pack. The iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13 also performed well. However, the most noteworthy achievement came from Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra, which claimed the fifth position and emerged as the most popular Android phone globally.

While it is unfortunate that Android devices didn't appear until the end of the top five, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's success is well-deserved. Despite its premium price, the smartphone's stellar performance and impressive battery life have resonated with consumers. This is particularly significant as Apple's flagship iPhones have faced criticism for their battery performance.

Among other notable Android models, the list includes the Galaxy S23 and S23+, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21 FE, Xiaomi 13, and Huawei Mate 50.

Interestingly, the foldable Galaxy Z Flip 4 also made its way into the top 10 for worldwide smartphone shipments in Q1. Despite being launched several months earlier, its continued popularity is surprising and serves as a positive indicator for the foldable smartphone market as a whole.