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iPhone 11 replaces iPhone XR as the world's favorite smartphone

By Anam Hamid

Published: May 26, 2020, 3:32 PM

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iOS Apple

iPhone 11 replaces iPhone XR as the world's favorite smartphone

The iPhone 11 was the best selling smartphone model globally in Q1 2020, according to analyst and consultancy firm Omdia (via AppleInsider).

Apple's latest entry-level model has proven to be more popular than last year's iPhone XR, raking in sales of 19.5 million units during the January-March quarter.

In contrast, 13.6 million units of the iPhone XR were sold during the same period last year, which made it the most sought after phone globally in the year-ago quarter.

Apple's strategy of offering better value for money is working

The iPhone XR was priced at $749 at launch and it was the least expensive of all the 2019 models. With the iPhone 11, Apple went a step further, and reduced the price by $50 when compared to its predecessor without skimping on specs. In fact, if anything, iPhone 11 boasts superior specs. It has a faster processor, a dual-camera setup, and supports Wi-Fi 6.

If these were normal circumstances, the fact that iPhone 11 outsold the iPhone XR wouldn't have been surprising. However, given that the coronavirus is said to have impacted demand, the performance is commendable.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro also made the list, clinching the sixth and eighth spots, respectively. The iPhone XR was the fifth best selling phone during the quarter. Last year's iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max were not amongst the top ten models in Q1 2019. So, we can surmise that the new lineup is doing better as a whole than last year's range. And with the impending arrival of the 5G-ready iPhone 12, sales will likely climb further.

The Samsung Galaxy A51 trailed the iPhone 11, with sales of 6.8 million units. The Galaxy A10s and Galaxy A30s were the seventh and tenth best selling models, respectively. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G was Samsung's only flagship model to be included in the ranking. Omdia believes that increasing the number of models in the S series hasn't boded well for the shipment of individual models. The company also echoes what has been observed before: the high prices of the new S series models haven't been received well by consumers.

Apple, on the other hand, seems to be headed in the right direction. The company focuses on a smaller number of models and is now steadily decreasing prices to increase their appeal further. At the same time, it's undercutting competition which is too deep into replicating its previous pricing scheme.

Omdia, like other market watchers, expects overall shipments to decline further this year as a result of the pandemic.

table comparing Q1 2020 and Q1 2019 smartphone sales

View Full Bio

Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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iPhone 11 replaces iPhone XR as the world's favorite smartphone

Apple's strategy of offering better value for money is working

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