The world’s best-selling phone is neither an iPhone nor a Samsung model

The Nokia 1100, launched in 2003, is the undisputed sales champion, symbolizing an era when simplicity and reliability took precedence over luxury. In the early 2000s, the mobile phone market was far from saturated by the touch screen and multifunctional smartphones we know today.

The undisputed reign of the Nokia 1100

It is in this context that Nokia launched the 1100, a phone primarily aimed at emerging markets like Russia, India and China. With more than 250 million units sold since its launch, the Nokia 1100 has topped phone sales worldwide, thanks to its robustness and ease of use.

Designed to withstand dusty and humid environments, this model offers basic but essential features: a monochrome screen, limited storage capacity for contacts and messages, a long-lasting battery, and even a built-in flashlight. Nokia aims to “ Reliable, simple and affordable device », thus satisfying the essential needs of users.

Despite the current dominance of high-end smartphones, most users around the world prefer more economical models. A “budget” phone, as shown by the example of Samsung’s Galaxy A14 4G (the best-selling Android mobile in 2023), is able to meet the basic requirements for communication and all aspects of daily use.

These devices prove that performance and functional features are no longer the preserve of expensive smartphones alone. The Nokia 1100 pioneered this trend by offering a reliable and affordable alternative, which had a profound impact on the mobile market.

The Nokia 1100 enjoyed phenomenal success until its withdrawal in 2009, following revelations of security vulnerabilities. However, his mark in the history of mobile telephony is immortal. Nokia has dominated the market with many models surpassing 200 million sales, but no other manufacturer has been able to match this record.

Samsung, the largest smartphone maker from 2010 to 2023, also has only one device in the top 20. The era of smartphones has seen the emergence of new leaders, particularly with major innovations in the Apple iPhone. However, Nokia’s history recalls a time when durability and simplicity were king, a stark contrast to the increasing complexity (and some fragility) of today’s devices.

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