Nokia 1100 remains the highest-selling phone in history, symbolizing durability and simplicity.
Apple’s iPhone 6 marked the peak of modern smartphone design and global popularity.
The list shows two eras: one of Nokia’s basic phones and the other of Apple’s smart innovations shaping communication.
Over the years, phones have changed from being simple calling tools to smart gadgets that can do almost everything. However, the most sold phones till date are not the latest models of smartphones. The top-selling phones are simple, durable, and easy to use. They remind people how mobile technology began and how it reached across the world. Below is a list of the best-selling phones in history based on verified information from official sources.
Units Sold: Over 250 million
Nokia 1100 launched in 2003 is the most sold phone ever. It was built for people who needed a basic and affordable device. It had a strong body, long battery life and useful features like a flashlight and the Snake II game, making it a reliable and entertaining choice for users, especially in the early days of mobile technology.
Units Sold: Around 250 million
Released in 2005, the Nokia 1110 continued Nokia’s focus on simple and long-lasting phones. It had a bright display, a clear menu, and loud ringtones. It was very popular in developing countries where people needed a phone that worked anywhere. Its strong battery and tough design made it dependable for many users.
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Units Sold: 222 million
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, launched in 2014, changed the smartphone market. With a bigger screen, slim design and powerful performance, it became Apple’s biggest success. It was loved worldwide and is still the best-selling smartphone model in history.
Units Sold: Around 200 million (cumulative)
Nokia 105, first released in 2013, became one of the most affordable phones in the world. It had a long battery life and clear sound quality. New versions of this model are still sold in many countries today.
Units Sold: 174 million (estimated)
iPhone 6S series, launched in 2015, continued the success of the iPhone 6. It had improved cameras, a faster processor, and a stronger frame. It remained popular for years and proved Apple’s strength in the smartphone market.
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Units Sold: Around 160 million (estimated)
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, launched in 2016, introduced water resistance and better performance. It removed the headphone jack, which caused debate, but it still became one of Apple’s major hits.
Units Sold: 160 million
Nokia 3210, released in 1999, became one of the most popular phones of its time. It was among the first to remove the external antenna. It allowed users to change covers, send text messages easily and play the famous Snake game. It became a trend among young people and families.
Units Sold: 150 million
Nokia 1200, launched in 2007, was a low-cost phone made for daily use. It had a flashlight, dust resistance and a strong battery. It worked well in difficult conditions and became one of Nokia’s most trusted models.
Units Sold: 150 million
Nokia 6600, released in 2003, was advanced for its time. It supported photos, videos and apps through the Symbian operating system. It was used by many professionals and became a sign of progress in early mobile technology.
Units Sold: 150 million
Samsung E1100, launched in 2009, was known for its simple design and strong build. It had a color display, a flashlight and a battery that lasted long. It became one of Samsung’s most sold phones before the Galaxy series began.
This list shows two major periods in mobile history. In the early 2000s, Nokia ruled the market with durable and simple phones that everyone could afford. Later, Apple took the lead by turning phones into powerful tools for creativity and communication.
From the Nokia 1100 to the iPhone 6, these phones show how technology shaped human life. Each model helped people connect, changed daily habits, and marked a new stage in how the world communicates.
The story of mobile phones shows how technology grows to meet human needs. The most sold phones were not just devices but part of daily life. Nokia 1100 and 1110 brought communication to millions who had never owned a phone, while the iPhone 6 shaped the modern smartphone market.
Each phone in this list represents a different time and purpose, yet all share the same goal of keeping people connected. Their success proves that true innovation is about creating something useful, lasting and meaningful.
1. Why are older mobile phones like the Nokia 1100 still remembered today?
They symbolized reliability and simplicity, offering strong batteries and durability when smartphones didn’t even exist.
2. How do sales numbers of classic phones compare to modern smartphones?
Many classic models like the Nokia 1100 outsold even today’s flagship phones, proving that function often beats luxury.
3. What makes a phone truly successful in the global market?
A mix of affordability, usability, and durability matters more than high-end features or advanced technology.
4. How did Apple’s iPhones redefine the idea of a mobile phone?
Apple transformed phones into lifestyle devices, combining communication, entertainment, and creativity in one sleek gadget.
5. What can be learned from the evolution of top-selling phones?
It shows that technology succeeds when it meets human needs—whether by connecting villages or powering digital creativity.