Smartphone Statistics 2025: Battery Expectations, Foldables & Consumer Preferences

In a quiet café in Austin, a student unlocks her foldable phone, snapping it open like a book. Across the world in Nairobi, a small business owner checks new orders on his budget smartphone powered by 5G. Meanwhile, a traveler in Tokyo books a hotel using voice commands through their phone’s AI assistant.

These small moments paint a vivid picture: smartphones are no longer just devices, they’re lifelines. As we step into 2025, the smartphone industry stands at a defining point, merging cutting-edge innovation with deep-rooted global dependence. Let’s break down the latest smartphone data shaping this evolving landscape.

Editor’s Choice

• 1.56 billion smartphones are projected to be shipped globally by the end of 2025, a rise of 3.8% from the previous year.
• Foldable smartphones are expected to account for 6.2% of total smartphone shipments in 2025.
• The global smartphone user base has now surpassed 5.7 billion, meaning over 71% of the world’s population owns a smartphone in 2025.
• India has overtaken the US as the second-largest smartphone market, boasting 1.16 billion active devices as of early 2025.
• The average smartphone replacement cycle has stretched to 44 months in 2025.
• In 2025, 59% of all smartphones sold will come with AI-powered processors, signifying a sharp shift toward smart automation.
• Global smartphone revenue is forecast to hit $647 billion in 2025, with premium models (over $800) accounting for 38% of that total.

Global Smartphone Market Share Breakdown

• Apple dominates the market with a strong 23.2% share worldwide.
• Samsung trails behind, capturing 15.6% of the global share.
• Xiaomi holds a notable position with 12.9% of the market.
• Both Vivo and Transsion tie with an equal 8.2% market share each.
• The remaining brands collectively account for a substantial 32% of the global smartphone market.

Annual Smartphone Shipment Volumes

• Global smartphone shipments are projected to reach 1.56 billion units in 2025, showing steady recovery from earlier supply chain disruptions.
• The United States is set to ship 163 million smartphones in 2025, reflecting a modest 2.2% annual growth.
• China remains the largest contributor with approximately 340 million units shipped in 2025, though its growth rate has plateaued.
• Europe will see a slight rise, reaching around 215 million smartphone shipments in 2025, driven largely by Eastern markets.
• Mid-range smartphones priced between $300 and $600 are dominating with 42% share of total shipments globally.
• 5G smartphones will comprise 76% of total global shipments in 2025.
• The average selling price (ASP) of a smartphone has increased to $412 in 2025, pushed up by innovation in foldables and camera tech.
• Apple maintains its leadership in global revenue share with 27%, despite only holding 18% of unit shipments.
• Samsung leads in volume with 22% global share, shipping an estimated 343 million smartphones in 2025.
• The smartphone resale market is booming, with 120 million refurbished devices expected to be shipped this year.

Smartphone Adoption in Emerging Markets

• India has reached a smartphone penetration rate of 81% in 2025, with rural areas accounting for 48% of new users.
• In Nigeria, smartphone adoption has surpassed 57% as of mid-2025, marking one of the fastest-growing markets globally.
• Brazil saw a 10% year-over-year increase in smartphone users, bringing total penetration to 83% in 2025.
• Indonesia now has over 200 million smartphone users, reaching 72% market penetration.
• Bangladesh saw a surge with 34 million new users in 2025, pushing its adoption rate to 63%.
• Kenya‘s smartphone market grew by 14% this year, largely driven by mobile-first fintech platforms.
• Vietnam’s smartphone penetration is now 89%, helped by affordable 5G Android devices.
• Pakistan’s smartphone adoption hit 64% in 2025, with heavy investment from Chinese manufacturers.
• Entry-level smartphones under $150 accounted for 43% of total sales across Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025.
• Governments in emerging markets have launched digital literacy programs targeting 70 million first-time users in 2025.

Global Growth in Smartphone Users

• By 2028, smartphone usage is projected to reach a staggering 5.83 billion worldwide.
• Back in 2014, there were only 1.03 billion smartphone users around the world.
• The number jumped to 1.22 billion in 2015, marking a steady rise.
• 2016 saw a continued increase, reaching 1.4 billion users globally.
• By 2017, smartphone adoption rose to 1.58 billion users.
• In 2018, the figure climbed to 1.84 billion.
• The global user base hit 2.16 billion in 2019, surpassing the 2-billion mark.
• 2020 recorded a sharp increase with 2.58 billion smartphone users.
• In 2021, the number reached 2.95 billion, nearing the 3-billion milestone.
• By 2022, global users totaled 3.39 billion.
• 2023 continued the growth trend with 3.77 billion users worldwide.
• The 2024 projection points to 4.25 billion smartphone users.
• For 2025, the expected number is 4.69 billion, continuing the upward momentum.
• 2026 is forecasted to cross the 5-billion threshold with 5.12 billion users.
• Estimates for 2027 show a rise to 5.49 billion users globally.

Trends in Foldable and Dual-Screen Smartphones

• Foldable smartphone shipments are projected to hit 96 million units globally in 2025.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 leads the category, accounting for 32% of all foldables shipped this year.
• Dual-screen devices now make up 2.5% of total high-end smartphone sales globally.
• China leads in foldable adoption with over 41 million units shipped domestically in 2025.
• The average price of foldables has dropped to $1,038, down 11% from last year, widening their accessibility.
• Flip-style foldables outsell book-style models in 2025, capturing 57% of foldable shipments.
• Durability has improved dramatically; 76% of users report satisfaction with crease resistance in 2025 foldables.
• Battery life in foldables now averages 11.2 hours of active screen time, closing the gap with traditional smartphones.
• Google Pixel Fold 2 holds a 12% market share in the US foldable segment.
• OLED flexible displays are used in 92% of foldables in 2025, replacing early hybrid panels.

Impact of Smartphones on E-Commerce Growth

• 72% of all e-commerce transactions in 2025 are conducted via smartphones.
• Mobile retail apps see an average conversion rate of 3.5%, outperforming desktop at 2.1%.
• The global m-commerce market is expected to reach $4.6 trillion by the end of 2025.
• Voice-assisted shopping on smartphones grew 29% YoY, now used by 19% of online buyers.
• In the US, mobile-first retailers saw 18% higher average order values compared to desktop users.
• Social commerce, buying directly through social media apps on smartphones, accounts for 17% of global e-commerce sales.
• Latin America experienced a 38% increase in smartphone-driven e-commerce transactions in 2025.
• The average mobile session time for shopping apps increased to 9.8 minutes this year.
• QR code usage for payments rose 22% in 2025, especially in urban Asia.
• Mobile wallet integration is now a standard feature for 94% of all major shopping apps.

Top Places People Use Their Smartphones

• 14% use their phones while walking the dog, proof that our screens follow us everywhere.
• 17% stay connected on the bike, blending movement with mobile engagement.
• 63% use smartphones in the bathroom, showing that privacy doesn’t pause connectivity.
• 69% turn to their devices at the airport, relying on them during travel downtime.
• 70% scroll in bed, making late-night usage a near-universal habit.
• 72% multitask with their phones in the kitchen, merging recipes, music, and calls.
• 77% browse or chat at restaurants, where dining now meets digital.
• 80% use smartphones while shopping, tapping into reviews and deals in real time.
• 88% go online on public transport, transforming commutes into screen time.
• 91% stay connected on the go, as mobile usage becomes second nature in motion.
• 91% also use phones at work, showing how mobile tech dominates professional life.
• 98% use their smartphones at home, making it the #1 location for mobile activity.

Voice Assistant Usage on Smartphones

• In 2025, over 2.1 billion smartphone users globally use voice assistants at least once per week.
• 38% of all mobile searches are now conducted through voice.
• Siri remains the most used assistant in the US, with a 31% market share among smartphone voice assistant users.
• Google Assistant usage on Android smartphones grew by 17%, powering over 620 million devices worldwide.
• Amazon Alexa’s mobile integrations have doubled year-over-year, now installed on 110 million smartphones.
• In India, voice assistants are used by 61% of smartphone owners, driven by regional language support.
• The average voice command session lasts 2 minutes, indicating broader task engagement.
• Shopping via voice on smartphones grew by 22%, with 13% of users having made at least one purchase using voice in 2025.
• Privacy concerns remain a top barrier, with 41% of non-users citing data collection fears as the reason for avoiding voice assistants.
• Automotive voice integration with smartphones expanded by 36%, now embedded in 67 million vehicles.

Smartphone Camera Usage and Trends

• In 2025, 89% of smartphone owners use their camera daily, with photo messaging being the most common purpose.
• 4K video recording capability is now present in 74% of new smartphones sold globally.
• The average megapixel count for rear cameras hit 64MP.
• AI photography modes, such as automatic night mode and object removal, are used by 56% of users at least weekly.
• Portrait mode continues to dominate, accounting for 31% of all smartphone photos shared on social media.
• Selfies make up 28% of all smartphone images captured, with ultra-wide selfie lenses now in 47% of smartphones.
• In 2025, 70% of Gen Z users say a camera is their most important feature when buying a new phone.
• Optical zoom has improved, with 43% of new devices offering 5x or greater zoom without digital cropping.
• The average user stores 6,400 photos on their smartphone, up from 5,800 last year.
• Photo editing apps have reached 1.3 billion installs globally, driven by content creators and influencers.

Smartphone Users by Country

• Vietnam has over 61.37 million smartphone users, reflecting growing digital adoption in Southeast Asia.
• Germany counts 65.24 million users, showcasing strong penetration in Europe.
• Mexico has reached 70.14 million users, highlighting Latin America’s expanding mobile base.
• Japan is home to 75.77 million users, blending tech-savviness with mobile culture.
• Russia reports a solid 99.93 million smartphone users.
• Brazil has surged to 109.34 million users, driven by its mobile-first population.
• Indonesia boasts 160.23 million users, cementing its place as a major mobile market.
• United States has a powerful base of 270 million smartphone users.
• India ranks second globally with a massive 439.42 million users.
• China leads the world with a staggering 911.92 million smartphone users.

Battery Life Expectations and Charging Behaviors

• The average smartphone battery life is now 11.7 hours of screen-on time in 2025.
• Fast charging of 65W or higher is now available in 61% of smartphones launched this year.
• Wireless charging adoption reached 54%.
• 83% of users charge their phones overnight, while only 17% practice optimized daytime charging.
• Battery anxiety, worrying about battery levels, affects 42% of daily users in 2025.
• The average smartphone user charges their phone 1.4 times per day.
• Battery health monitoring is now a built-in feature in 68% of Android phones and all iPhones.
• Reverse wireless charging is available on 22% of high-end smartphones, up from 15% last year.
• In emerging markets, power-saving modes are used by 57% of users regularly.
• Eco charging features that slow charging at night to preserve battery longevity are found in 31% of devices.

Wearable and Smartphone Ecosystem Integration

• Smartphone-to-wearable pairing has reached 74% among smartwatch users in 2025.
• Apple Watch integration accounts for 62% of wearable connections with smartphones in the US.
• Samsung Galaxy Watches now support full standalone call and text functions, synced with smartphones in 39 countries.
• Google Pixel Watch 2 usage doubled in 2025, now paired with 18 million smartphones globally.
• Fitness tracking via wearables connected to smartphones increased to 63% daily usage.
• Smart ring adoption is growing, with over 21 million units shipped, primarily paired with health-focused apps.
• Bluetooth LE Audio standards enabled multi-device pairing in 45% of all wearables launched this year.
• Voice notifications from smartphones to wearables are actively used by 52% of users under 30.
• Sleep data synchronization between wearables and smartphones saw a 29% increase, especially among Gen Z.
• The average user in 2025 has 3.2 connected devices syncing data with their smartphone.

Top Activities Smartphone Users Do Daily

• 74.7% of users are actively messaging or chatting, making it the #1 global smartphone activity.
• 70.95% check and send emails, showing how smartphones have become essential for professional communication.
• 62.9% handle their banking online, turning smartphones into digital wallets and finance hubs.
• 61.7% stream music, making tunes a part of everyday mobile life.
• 61.1% watch videos, with content consumption continuing to dominate screen time.
• 56.7% search for products online, reflecting how smartphones shape buying decisions.
• 56.6% go further by actually purchasing products, proving the strength of mobile e-commerce.
• 54.55% share content by uploading videos or photos, keeping social media alive and visual.
• 52.3% read news online, with smartphones now serving as personal newsstands.
• 47.45% make internet calls, signaling a shift from traditional voice services to VoIP options.

Smartphone Usage During Travel and Commuting

• In 2025, 72% of travelers rely on smartphones as their primary tool for navigation.
• Offline map usage has grown by 19%, driven by international travel and roaming costs.
• Digital boarding passes are used by 84% of airline passengers in the US, up from 77% last year.
• Transit apps see an average open rate of 3.8 times per trip among daily commuters.
• Public transportation payment via smartphones has reached 59% adoption across major urban areas.
• The average US commuter spends 42 minutes per day using a smartphone on public transport.
• Streaming video during commutes increased by 15%, accounting for 32% of all mobile data use on weekdays.
• Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze account for 21% of battery drain during travel sessions.
• Travel booking via smartphone makes up 61% of all bookings in 2025.
• Language translation apps were used by 68 million international travelers in the first half of 2025.

Consumer Preferences for Smartphone Features

• In 2025, battery life ranks as the top feature for 76% of consumers when choosing a new smartphone.
• Screen refresh rate preferences have shifted, with 41% of users demanding 120Hz or higher.
• Storage remains critical; 64% of buyers prefer 256GB or more internal storage as a baseline.
• AI features, such as real-time translation and smart reply, influence 38% of buying decisions.
• Sustainability is growing in importance: 29% of US consumers say they would pay more for an eco-friendly device.
• Color customization options are now offered by 33% of smartphone brands, meeting rising personalization demand.
• In-display fingerprint scanners are present in 61% of smartphones in 2025.
• Durability matters; 54% of buyers check for IP68 or higher water resistance ratings before purchase.
• Satellite connectivity is emerging in high-end models, now available in 11% of new smartphones.
• Camera-centric models dominate in the $800+ range, preferred by 45% of Gen Z and millennial users.

Daily Smartphone Usage in the US

• Only 5% of Americans spend less than 1 hour on their smartphones each day, a rare digital detox.
• 16% clock in about 1–2 hours daily, showing moderate mobile use.
• 22% spend 3–4 hours per day on their phones, a common sweet spot for most users.
• A hefty 46% are on their smartphones for 4–5 hours daily, making this the most typical usage range.
• 11% go all in, spending over 7 hours every single day on their devices, nearly a full-time job in screen time.

Impact of Smartphone Use on Mental Health

• In 2025, 58% of adults report feeling digitally overwhelmed due to smartphone notifications.
• The average user receives 96 notifications per day.
• Screen time among teens now averages 7.1 hours per day on smartphones.
• Digital wellbeing features like screen time monitors are used by 31% of users, up from 26% last year.
• Sleep disruption caused by late-night phone use is reported by 46% of Gen Z users.
• Social media apps account for 32% of all time spent on smartphones, leading to higher comparisons and stress indicators.
• Mental health apps have grown to 1.1 billion installs worldwide, many integrated with smartphones.
• 85% of psychologists recommend limiting smartphone screen time to under 3 hours of leisure use per day.
• Mindfulness apps, including guided breathing and focus timers, are used by 24% of smartphone owners weekly.
• Digital detox trends continue rising: 18% of users in the US took a break from their phones for 48 hours or more this year.

Trends in Mobile Gaming via Smartphones

• Mobile gaming revenue is projected to hit $108.3 billion globally in 2025.
• 2.9 billion people worldwide play games on smartphones, making it the most-used gaming platform.
• In-app purchases on mobile games have risen 11%, averaging $34.70 per paying user annually.
• Hyper-casual games dominate downloads, accounting for 38% of all installs in mobile app stores.
• Cloud gaming on smartphones has reached 43 million monthly active users.
• Mobile esports viewership is expected to surpass 650 million in 2025, especially in Asia.
• Battery drain from gaming averages 18% per hour on high-performance titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile.
• Gaming smartphones with cooling systems and dedicated GPUs now make up 6% of global shipments.
• Cross-platform gaming is on the rise, with 29% of users switching between mobile and console/PC gameplay.
• AR-based games like Pokémon Go still attract 62 million active users in 2025.

Smartphone Return and Warranty

• The global return rate for smartphones is 6.4%.
• Hardware defects account for 41% of all returned devices, led by screen and battery issues.
• Buyer’s remorse is the cause of 19% of returns, often linked to poor camera quality or size.
• In the US, the average return window across major retailers is now 30 days.
• Extended warranties are purchased by 36% of smartphone buyers, up from 32% last year.
• Accidental damage protection is the most common add-on, opted for by 72% of extended warranty buyers.
• Refurbished returns increased by 9%, often due to outdated software or perceived poor performance.
• AppleCare+ and Samsung Care+ continue to dominate, with combined coverage extending to 118 million devices globally.
• Only 11% of smartphones are returned within the first week of purchase.
• The average resolution time for warranty claims is now 5.6 days.

Recent Developments in the Smartphone Industry

• Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 Ultra in Q4 of 2025, featuring integrated AI and satellite calling.
• Samsung’s Galaxy AI Suite, introduced in 2025, has rolled out to over 120 million devices globally.
• Xiaomi leads in value innovation, offering 5G, 108MP cameras, and 120Hz screens in devices under $350.
• Huawei returned to global markets with HarmonyOS 4.0, now active on 280 million devices.
• Google launched its Tensor G4 chip, enabling offline AI processing on its Pixel smartphones.
• Fairphone 5, a fully modular and ethically sourced smartphone, gained traction in Europe with over 1.1 million units sold.
• eSIM adoption is at 48% globally, with 80% in developed nations using at least one eSIM-compatible device.
• Smartphone recycling programs collected over 180,000 tons of e-waste in the past year, a 14% improvement.
• On-device generative AI is now embedded in 31% of high-end smartphones.
• Startups like Nothing and Carl Pei’s ventures are reshaping the design space, with minimalist, transparent phone bodies gaining cult followings.

Conclusion

From foldables to AI-powered photography and digital wellbeing features, smartphones in 2025 are no longer just tools; they’re companions, assistants, and creative platforms. Their rapid evolution continues to shape how we live, work, play, and connect. As consumers demand more personalization, performance, and purpose-driven design, the smartphone industry will keep responding with bold innovation. Whether it’s navigating your next trip, launching a business from your pocket, or capturing life’s best moments, smartphones are doing more and demanding less.