History's Best Selling Tech of 2018

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2018 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of tech! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ and Huawei P20, P20 Pro and P20 Lite, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Samsung and Huawei proved their mettle with Xiaomi Redmi 6A, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+

   Released in 2018 by Samsung

   On February 25, 2018, the tech world's attention was fixed on Barcelona for Mobile World Congress. It was here that Samsung took the stage to unveil the Galaxy S9 and S9+, the much-anticipated successors to the revolutionary S8. Under the tagline "The Camera. Reimagined," Samsung presented not a radical redesign, but a masterclass in refinement. The event focused heavily on correcting the minor flaws of the previous generation and introducing a groundbreaking camera system. For Samsung, this launch was about consolidating its market leadership and proving that an iterative update could still generate excitement by perfecting an already winning formula, setting a new benchmark for smartphone photography in the Android ecosystem.

2. Huawei P20, P20 Pro and P20 Lite

   Released in 2018 by Huawei

   On March 27, 2018, the tech world's attention was fixed on the Grand Palais in Paris, where Huawei unveiled its latest flagship smartphones: the P20 and P20 Pro, alongside the P20 Lite. This date marked a pivotal moment for the company, signaling its boldest challenge yet to the duopoly of Apple and Samsung. In an era where smartphone innovation had felt incremental, Huawei's event promised a revolutionary leap in mobile photography. The launch was meticulously staged to present Huawei not just as a hardware manufacturer, but as a premium lifestyle and technology brand, with the historic Parisian landmark serving as a backdrop for what would become one of the most influential smartphone series of its time.

3. Xiaomi Redmi 6A

   Released in 2018 by Xiaomi

   On June 12, 2018, Xiaomi officially unveiled the Redmi 6A alongside its sibling, the Redmi 6, in a launch event in China. This date marks a significant moment in the evolution of the ultra-budget smartphone segment. At a time when major brands struggled to offer compelling features at the lowest price points, Xiaomi introduced a device with a modern 18:9 aspect ratio screen, an efficient 12nm processor, and AI-powered face unlock. The announcement was a direct challenge to competitors, reinforcing Xiaomi's strategy of aggressive pricing and feature-rich hardware to capture market share, particularly targeting first-time smartphone buyers in developing markets like India and China.

4. Oppo A5 (AX5)

   Released in 2018 by Oppo

   On July 6, 2018, Oppo officially unveiled the Oppo A5, a device aimed at bolstering its dominance in the competitive budget smartphone segment. The announcement was significant as it showcased Oppo's strategy of bringing premium features to an affordable price point. On this day, the world was introduced to a phone that prioritized what mattered most to its target audience: a massive 4230mAh battery for all-day endurance, a large 6.2-inch 'Super Full Screen' with a then-fashionable notch, and a stylish diamond-patterned back. The A5 was positioned not just as a tool, but as a lifestyle accessory for the youth market in Asia and beyond, setting the stage for its commercial launch and its subsequent battle against rivals from Xiaomi and Samsung.

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

   Released in 2018 by Samsung

   On August 9, 2018, Samsung took the stage at a vibrant Galaxy Unpacked event in Brooklyn, New York, to unveil its latest flagship, the Galaxy Note 9. The atmosphere was electric, as the tech world anticipated what refinements Samsung would bring to its premier productivity line. This launch was significant as it aimed to solidify the Note's reputation as the ultimate 'power user' device. The core message was clear: this was a phone built to keep up with the demands of work and play, boasting a massive battery, immense storage, and a revolutionary S Pen. The event showcased a device that was not a radical redesign but a meticulous perfection of a successful formula, addressing key user desires and setting a new benchmark for what a premium smartphone could be.

6. Samsung Galaxy J2 Core

   Released in 2018 by Samsung

   On August 24, 2018, Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy J2 Core, a device of significant strategic importance. This date marked the consumer electronics giant's first foray into Google's Android Go program. Android Go was a stripped-down version of the popular mobile OS, specifically engineered to run smoothly on devices with 1GB of RAM or less. The announcement was a clear signal of Samsung's intent to aggressively compete in the ultra-budget smartphone segment, particularly in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia. By adopting Android Go, Samsung aimed to provide a reliable and fluid user experience to first-time smartphone buyers, directly challenging a wave of competitors who were rapidly gaining ground with low-cost devices.

7. Samsung Galaxy J6+

   Released in 2018 by Samsung

   On September 18, 2018, Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy J6+ through a press release, marking a strategic reinforcement of its budget smartphone lineup. This announcement was critical for Samsung, as it faced intensifying pressure from aggressive Chinese competitors in key emerging markets like India. The J6+ was introduced as a device that democratized premium features, aiming to capture the attention of value-conscious buyers. By launching a phone with a large 'Infinity Display' and a dual-camera system at an affordable price point, Samsung signaled its commitment to fighting for dominance in the highly competitive entry-level segment. This date represents Samsung's tactical response to a rapidly changing market landscape.

8. Samsung Galaxy J4+

   Released in 2018 by Samsung

   On September 19, 2018, Samsung quietly announced the Galaxy J4+, a strategic addition to its highly successful budget J-series lineup. This date marks a key moment in Samsung's effort to defend its market share in the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone segment. Unlike the grand, globally televised Unpacked events for its flagship Galaxy S and Note series, the J4+'s debut was a more subdued affair, reflecting its target audience: value-conscious consumers in emerging markets. The announcement was a direct response to the growing pressure from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Huawei, who were rapidly gaining ground by offering feature-packed devices at aggressive prices. The Galaxy J4+ was Samsung's answer, aiming to bring premium features, most notably a large 'Infinity Display', to a more accessible price point.

9. Huawei Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro

   Released in 2018 by Huawei

   On October 16, 2018, the tech world's attention was fixed on London, where Huawei unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro. The event was a statement of intent, showcasing Huawei's ambition to dethrone Samsung and Apple as the world's top smartphone maker. Against a backdrop of increasing brand recognition following the success of the P20 Pro, this launch was designed to highlight superior engineering and innovation. The date marks the moment Huawei presented a device packed with industry-firsts, such as the 7nm Kirin 980 chipset and reverse wireless charging, positioning the Mate 20 series as the technological benchmark for late 2018 and beyond.