Apple and Samsung are the top contenders in the market for the best-selling smartphones, with the iPhone 17 at the forefront.

      The iPhone 17 didn't just perform well; it completely dominated the last quarter.

      Apple’s iPhone 17 has concluded Q2 2026 as the top-selling smartphone worldwide, capturing 6% of global unit sales, as reported by Counterpoint Research. It didn't do this alone; the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max closely followed, securing three positions in the top ten for Apple.

      How did Apple achieve this again?

      This success was expected. The iPhone 17 is likely the best non-Pro iPhone Apple has ever released. Apple included enough enhancements this year to narrow the gap with the Pro models, which clearly benefited them. At the same time, the Pro and Pro Max relied on trade-in incentives, promotions, and financing options to make their premium prices feel more manageable.

      Counterpoint

      Increasing smartphone prices generally pushed more consumers toward these higher-end models. The iPhone 17e is also worth mentioning. With MagSafe support and increased storage at last year’s price, it performed well in the US and Japan, largely due to carrier promotions.

      What did Samsung offer?

      Samsung secured five spots in the market as well, with the standout being the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It achieved the title of best-selling Android phone for the quarter, marking the first time an ultra-premium Android device led sales in a June quarter. This represented a five-position rise compared to its predecessor, aided by its privacy display and distinctive AI features.

      The Galaxy A series also maintained its position, thanks to its competitive pricing and Samsung’s commitment to over six years of software support, which is increasingly important as consumers keep their phones longer.

      Together, Apple and Samsung accounted for 26% of the global market share, the highest recorded for a June quarter. With a global RAM shortage impacting all brands, it appears that manufacturers are focusing on creating fewer, stronger devices instead of spreading their resources too thinly.

      The Galaxy S27 Pro could adopt the Ultra’s updated design, reminiscent of the iPhone.

      Recent CAD renders showcase a significant redesign for Samsung’s anticipated 6.6-inch Pro flagship.

      The Galaxy S27 Pro has been mentioned in various reports lately, and we may have now seen its clearest visualization. Android Headlines released CAD renders credited to OnLeaks, revealing the Galaxy S27 Pro following the same broad design direction as the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The distinct individual camera rings have been replaced with a much larger raised camera section across the upper back. I must say, the new aesthetics evoke strong iPhone impressions.

      Android 17 will finally prevent ISPs from tracking your website and app usage.

      Android 17 conceals your browsing activities from ISPs and obstructs Wi-Fi scanning, false certificates, and 2G scams.

      Despite HTTPS securing your activity on a website, your internet service provider and anyone monitoring the connection can still see exactly which sites and apps you are accessing. This privacy issue has lingered for years, and Google is addressing it with four substantial network security upgrades integrated into Android 17.

      Zoom kits for smartphones are impressive, but after trying the Vivo X300 Ultra, I think they aren't suitable for everyone.

      The phone is already highly capable, so the kit designed to enhance it mostly proves unnecessary.

      The competition among smartphone cameras has changed significantly in recent years. The dialogue that once focused on camera variety has shifted to megapixel count, sensor dimensions, and overall adaptability. Additionally, manufacturers are now offering first-party zoom kits featuring high-quality optics and characteristics that enhance their ecosystem.

      I’ve spent the past few weeks testing Vivo's X300 Ultra, which boasts one of the most ambitious camera systems available on a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphone. To provide more zoom options, Vivo also offers ZEISS Telephoto Extender kits that transform the already substantial X300 Ultra into an appearance similar to that of a professional camera. While it is genuinely impressive, for most users, it seems more like a solution searching for an issue.