The iPhone 17 is the best-selling smartphone of this year (so far)

By Hannah Geremia

Last updated 12 May 2026

The iPhone 17 is arguably the best value iPhone to date. Since its launch late last year, its reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with its exceptional performance, increased durability, and most importantly, availability in five delightfully charming pastel shades.

Through Q1, the Apple iPhone 17 maintained upward sales momentum worldwide. According to Counterpoint Research’s latest Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, the top 10 best-selling smartphones accounted for 25% of global unit sales. The iPhone 17 accounted for 6% these sales, making it the world’s best-selling smartphone for Q1.

While the iPhone 17 earned the top spot, the rest of the line, including the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro, came in second and third, respectively. The Samsung Galaxy A07 and Galaxy A17 also followed suit, rounding out the top five. The Apple 16 came in 6th place overall, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 also made the top ten.

While the vibrant orange iPhone 17 Pro Max was my personal top pick, it’s easy to see how the midrange iPhone 17 nabbed the top spot. Counterpoint Research attributes the iPhone 17’s steady stream of sales to the device’s higher base storage and improved display, notably its higher refresh rate.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, consider the iPhone 17 lineup on a plan.

iPhone 17 plans Singapore

In the market for a new iPhone plan? Here's how much the iPhone 17 will set you back on a plan through Singtel, StarHub, and M1.

Enhanced XS 5G+

80GB data
Singtel 5G network
Contract (24 mths)
100 Minutes
100 Messages
Deal: Enjoy up to $725 off this device including device discount and other special offers

$62.00/mth

+ $657.70 Upfront

Min. cost $2,145.70

$62.00/mth

+ $657.70 Upfront

Min. cost $2,145.70

50GB Bespoke Contract

50GB data
M1 5G network
Contract (24 mths)
300 Minutes
300 Messages
International Roaming
Deal: $100 off any device on new Bespoke Contract Plan

$62.95/mth

+ $491 Upfront

Min. cost $2,001.80

Link not supplied

$62.95/mth

+ $491 Upfront

Min. cost $2,001.80

Link not supplied

5G Lite Mobile Plan

150GB data
StarHub 5G network
Device Payments (24 mths)
1000 Minutes
750 Messages
International Roaming
Deal: $300 off when you pay later, $250 exclusive device discount, $200 bonus cashback with trade-in and other special offers

$76.13

Min. cost $1,321.12

$76.13

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,321.12

Otherwise, we’d recommend purchasing the device outright and pairing it with a cheap SIM-only plan.

#1	Zero1	Zero1 Starter Prime 4G 200GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming Deal: Roam Malaysia 100GB for 365 days $7.06 Min. cost $7.06 Link not supplied	$7.06 Min. cost $7.06	Link not supplied
#2	CMLink	CMLink 200GB 4G SIM Only 200GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming Deal: Get 1 month free credit rebate for port-in + Free 100GB Malaysia roaming for 365 days for new sign-ups only $7.70 Min. cost $7.70 Go	$7.70 Min. cost $7.70	Go
#3	VIVIFI	VIVIFI Roam Value 4G 200GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming Deal: Limited-Time Offer: Free 1 month (non-Singtel port in) $7.70 Min. cost $7.70 Link not supplied	$7.70 Min. cost $7.70	Link not supplied
#4	ZYM Mobile	ZYM Mobile Roam Saver 4G 200GB data on Singtel network 300 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming Deal: Get your 3rd month free when you port-in + Use promo code 'WHISTLEOUT' to get 3x chances to win Galaxy Buds 3, worth $258 $7.77 + $3 Upfront Min. cost $10.77 Go	$7.77 + $3 Upfront Min. cost $10.77	Go
#5	Maxx	Maxx 290GB SIM Only 290GB data on M1 network 500 Minutes 99 Messages International Roaming Deal: Online Exclusive: $7.90 promotional price (usually $9.90) for the first 12 cycles for new sign-ups and number port-ins $7.90 Min. cost $7.90 Link not supplied	$7.90 Min. cost $7.90	Link not supplied
#6	Eight Editor's Pick	Eight Editor's Pick Double Eight 4G SIM Only 528GB data on StarHub 4G network Unlimited National Calls 88 Messages International Roaming $8.00 Min. cost $8 Link not supplied	$8.00 Min. cost $8	Link not supplied