The smartphone market in 2024 witnessed a significant shift, with Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra standing out as the best-selling high-end Android phone of the year. According to market research firm Canalys, the Galaxy S24 Ultra was the only premium Android smartphone to make it to the top ten best-selling smartphones globally. This achievement highlights Samsung’s dominance in the high-end Android segment and its growing competitiveness against Apple.
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Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Best-Selling High-End Android Phone
Market data from Canalys reveals that the Galaxy S24 Ultra secured the ninth spot on the list of the world’s best-selling smartphones in 2024. This feat is particularly impressive considering the intense competition in the premium segment, where brands like OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, Honor, and Xiaomi continuously push innovative features and high-end specifications.
You can see the complete rankings in the image below.
Samsung’s High-End Success Story
Samsung’s presence in the top ten best-selling smartphones list signifies a major improvement from the previous year. In 2023, no high-end Samsung phone made the list, with the company relying on mid-range and budget smartphones to maintain its market position. However, in 2024, Samsung managed to place one flagship device alongside its budget-friendly models, showcasing its ability to attract premium buyers once again.
Samsung’s Market Presence Beyond the Flagship Segment
Apart from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s Galaxy A15 also made a significant impact. The Galaxy A15 was the best-selling Android smartphone across all price segments, securing the fourth position globally. Additionally, the Galaxy A15 5G took the eighth spot, making it the world’s best-selling 5G Android phone.
These rankings indicate that Samsung has successfully penetrated multiple segments of the market, ensuring strong sales in both budget and flagship categories. The brand’s widespread appeal, strong after-sales service, and software support play a crucial role in its sustained success.
iPhones Continue to Dominate the Market
Despite the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s success, Apple maintained a commanding lead in the smartphone industry. Seven out of the top ten best-selling smartphones in 2024 were iPhones, with the iPhone 15 securing the number one spot. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max followed closely, ranking second and third, respectively. Other iPhones on the list included the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 13, all of which demonstrated Apple’s unparalleled dominance in the high-end market.
What This Means for Samsung and the Android Ecosystem
Apple’s overwhelming presence in the list underscores the challenge that Android manufacturers, including Samsung, face in the high-end smartphone segment. While Chinese brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus continue to introduce feature-packed flagship devices, none of them made it to the top ten best-selling smartphones list. This suggests that hardware specifications alone are not enough to drive sales—brand reputation, software experience, ecosystem integration, and after-sales support play a crucial role in customer loyalty.
Why the Galaxy S24 Ultra Succeeded
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra managed to break into the high-end best-seller list due to a combination of cutting-edge features, refined software experience, and strong brand trust. Here are some of the key reasons behind its success:
1. Premium Build and Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra featured a premium titanium frame, offering enhanced durability while maintaining a sleek and lightweight design. The device also introduced an anti-reflective display, making it easier to use under bright lighting conditions, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor.
2. Powerful Camera System
Samsung continued to impress with its camera technology. The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasted a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, periscope telephoto lens, and AI-enhanced photography features. This made it a favorite among content creators and photography enthusiasts.
3. AI-Powered Features
Artificial Intelligence played a key role in differentiating the Galaxy S24 Ultra from its competition. Samsung integrated Galaxy AI, which enhanced features such as photo editing, real-time language translation, and battery optimization. These AI-driven improvements provided users with a smarter and more intuitive smartphone experience.
4. Seven Years of Software Updates
One of the biggest selling points of the Galaxy S24 Ultra was Samsung’s commitment to seven years of software updates. This promise matched Apple’s long-term software support, making it an attractive option for users looking for longevity and security in their smartphone purchase.
Samsung’s Future in the High-End Smartphone Market
Samsung’s success with the Galaxy S24 Ultra has set a new benchmark for its flagship lineup. Building on this momentum, the company launched the Galaxy S25 series with even more refined features. The new lineup introduced enhanced performance, a redesigned One UI, and more advanced Galaxy AI capabilities. Early reports indicate that the Galaxy S25 series has already broken pre-order records in South Korea, surpassing the sales figures of the Galaxy S24 series.
Can Samsung Catch Up with Apple?
While Samsung has made significant progress, it still faces an uphill battle in competing with Apple’s dominance in the premium smartphone segment. Apple’s ecosystem, seamless integration between hardware and software, and strong brand loyalty give it an edge over Android manufacturers.
For Samsung to bridge the gap, it needs to:
- Continue innovating in AI-driven features and software experience.
- Strengthen its ecosystem by improving interoperability between Galaxy devices.
- Expand marketing efforts to highlight the advantages of Galaxy smartphones over iPhones.
- Maintain and further enhance its commitment to long-term software updates.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s strong sales performance in 2024 solidified Samsung’s position as a leader in the high-end Android smartphone market. While Apple continues to dominate the industry, Samsung has proven that it can still compete at the top level with its premium offerings.
With the successful launch of the Galaxy S25 series, the future looks promising for Samsung’s flagship smartphones. It will be interesting to see how the Galaxy S25 series performs in the coming year and whether Samsung can further close the gap with Apple in the high-end market. One thing is certain: the battle for smartphone supremacy is far from over.