The Nokia 1100 leads as the highest-selling mobile phone, achieving over 250M sales in its six-year lifespan (2003-2009).  Affordability, basic functionality, and a compact design fueled its success, particularly in emerging markets, even during the rise of early smartphones (Nokia E-series and the iPhone). Following closely is its variant, the Nokia 1110, which sold 248M units. Apple's iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, collectively selling 222M units, secured the third spot. Their introduction of larger screens ushered in the big-screen smartphone era, solidifying their position as Apple's top sellers—so much so that they were re-released in 2017. Nokia and Apple devices dominate the remaining top ranks, with the only exceptions being the Samsung E1100 and Motorola RAZR V3. Nokia, pioneering the first mobile phone in 1982, captured the market by catering to developing economies during telecom expansion. Conversely, Samsung faced tougher competition in the diverse Android market, which limited its ability to match Nokia's initial success. In the last decade, Nokia and Apple took different routes. Nokia thrived initially but struggled during the smartphone transition, leading to its acquisition by Microsoft in 2014 and later sale to HMD Global. Meanwhile, Apple maintained its dominance in the US, but Samsung emerged as the global leader with a 20.8% market share, surpassing Apple's 17.3% in Q1 2024.