This was the best-selling Android smartphone of 2021

Counterpoint Research has revealed its list of the top 10 best-selling smartphones of 2021, and seven of them are iPhones. But Samsung and Xiaomi also make appearances here.

The top five phones all consisted of iPhones, namely the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 11. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12 was the most popular Android phone on the list, landing in sixth place. Counterpoint said North America, Latin America, and Western Europe were the Galaxy A12’s top markets.

It’s no surprise to see the Galaxy A12 appearing on the list, as the device retails for under $200 and we thought it offered great battery life, long-term software support, and a neat design. We did however lament the lack of horsepower, disappointing secondary cameras, and slow charging. But Samsung still delivered a phone that gets the basics right

Xiaomi was the only other Android maker in the top 10 for 2021, with the Redmi 9A in seventh place and the Redmi 9 occupying the final spot. The tracking firm claimed that the two phones accounted for 22% of Xiaomi’s sales last year, with China, India, and Asia-Pacific being the top markets.

In any event, Samsung and Xiaomi will have their work cut out if they’re hoping to climb up the ranks and pass Apple. The Cupertino company just launched the $430 iPhone SE 2022, and it’s expected to account for plenty of sales this year given its price point. But Samsung and Xiaomi were both seriously hampered by component shortages last year, so addressing this hurdle could be key to improving sales in 2022.