History's Best Selling Tech of 2012

Revisiting 2012 presents a grand parade of tech history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S III Mini, Xiaomi Mi 2, and Samsung Galaxy Note II took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Samsung and Xiaomi led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S III Mini

   Released in 2012 by Samsung

   On May 3, 2012, the tech world's attention turned to London for a highly anticipated Samsung Unpacked event. Against a backdrop of intense competition with Apple, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S III, a device shrouded in secrecy and speculation. The event was a grand affair, reflecting Samsung's growing confidence and its ambition to dominate the smartphone market. Marketed with the tagline 'Designed for Humans,' the S III was presented not just as a piece of hardware, but as an intuitive companion that understood its user. This launch marked a pivotal moment, solidifying the Galaxy S line as the premier Android flagship and setting the stage for a sales phenomenon that would challenge the iPhone's supremacy.

2. Xiaomi Mi 2

   Released in 2012 by Xiaomi

   On August 16, 2012, Xiaomi co-founder Lei Jun took the stage in Beijing, cementing his reputation as the 'Steve Jobs of China' by unveiling the Xiaomi Mi 2. This date marks a pivotal moment in the smartphone industry, as the announcement showcased a device with specifications that rivaled top-tier flagships from established giants, but at a shockingly low price. The event was not just a product launch; it was a declaration of intent. It solidified Xiaomi's disruptive business model of offering high-performance hardware directly to consumers online, cutting out traditional retail costs. The Mi 2's debut generated immense hype, signaling the rise of a new powerhouse from China that was poised to challenge the global market order.

3. Samsung Galaxy Note II

   Released in 2012 by Samsung

   On August 29, 2012, the tech world turned its attention to the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, where Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note II. Following the surprising success of the original Galaxy Note, which had carved out a new 'phablet' category, anticipation was high. Samsung's presentation showcased a device that was bigger, faster, and more refined than its predecessor. This launch event was not just about a new phone; it was a confident declaration by Samsung that the large-screen smartphone was not a niche experiment but the future of mobile productivity and entertainment, setting the stage for a major market shift.