With more than a quarter of the year done and dusted, it’s time to figure out which smartphone has taken the early lead in the charts. According to the numbers, it can’t get any clearer. The iPhone 17 is currently dominating the charts.

According to Counterpoint Research, the bestselling smartphone in the world as of the first quarter is the base iPhone 17. The model took 6 percent of the global share in unit sales. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro took the second and third spots, respectively. Only a bit surprisingly, Apple rounded out its quarter with the iPhone 16 taking the number 6 slot.

The stranger thing is Samsung’s presence on this list. The South Korean brand took five spots on the top 10 list. However, none of them are of the Galaxy S26 series. All of them are from the Galaxy A series: in order, Galaxy A07 4G, A17 5G, A56, A36, and A17 4G. (The Galaxy S26 series narrowly missed the top 10.)

That makes nine. The final spot was taken by the Xiaomi Redmi A5.

Going only by the last two paragraphs, you’ll likely assume that the midrange market is rightfully dominating the charts in the months following the Christmas season. However, the iPhone 17’s dominance confirms that Apple has not lost its stride.

Plus, with the iPhone 17e only just having launched, Apple might continue its run well into 2026.

SEE ALSO: Foldable iPhone might be called the iPhone Ultra

Dreame has officially stepped into the smartphone space with the debut of its AURORA lineup in Silicon Valley, positioning itself beyond appliances and into next-generation intelligent devices.

Unveiled on April 29, the new AURORA brand introduces what Dreame calls three core breakthroughs: imaging, communication, and an AI-native operating system — all built around a “human-centric” approach to technology.

A new take on smartphones

At launch, Dreame showcased three key directions under the AURORA lineup.

Leading the charge is the AURORA NEX, a modular imaging flagship designed to unlock more advanced, flexible photography setups. The idea is to move beyond typical camera upgrades and give users more control over how they capture content.

Alongside it is the AURORA LUX, a luxury-focused series that leans into premium materials and craftsmanship. Dreame positions this as “heirloom-grade” tech — less gadget, more statement piece.

Completing the lineup is a new flagship range aimed at balancing performance, design, and everyday usability for high-end users.

Moving past spec wars

Dreame isn’t framing this as another specs race. Instead, it’s calling this shift a “perception revolution.”

The pitch is simple:

• Better imaging should feel like creating, not just capturing
• Connectivity should be stable and seamless everywhere
• AI should be invisible but proactive, not something users have to manage

To get there, Dreame says it’s addressing familiar industry pain points — from camera hardware stacking to inconsistent signal performance and surface-level AI features.

Its solution is a full-stack approach:

• A dedicated imaging system built with input from professional photographers
• A “full-time signal” communication system for more stable connectivity
• An AI-native OS designed to flip the model from users adapting to devices → devices adapting to users

From tools to partners

The bigger ambition here is clear. Dreame wants devices to evolve from passive tools into what it calls “proactive service partners.”

That means:

• Devices anticipate needs
• AI operates in the background
• Hardware and software feel like a single system

It’s a familiar direction across the industry, but Dreame is betting on tighter integration and a stronger design identity to stand out.

A broader ecosystem play

The AURORA launch also signals something bigger: Dreame is expanding fast beyond its roots in home and personal care tech.

From hair tools to now smartphones, the company is building toward a full ecosystem anchored on AI and connected experiences.

DREAME AURORA unveils its ultra-premium smartphone collection. (PRNewsfoto/DREAME AURORA)

Whether that vision lands will depend on execution — especially in a category as competitive as smartphones.

For now, AURORA marks Dreame’s most ambitious move yet, and a clear statement that it wants to compete not just on devices, but on how those devices fit into everyday life.

vivo has launched its latest Y Series lineup in Singapore, headlined by the Y05, Y11 5G, and Y21 5G. The new devices focus on long battery life, improved durability, and smoother everyday performance, with 5G models starting at S$199.

The biggest highlight is a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery across the series, a notable jump from the previous generation. vivo says this enables longer usage for streaming, browsing, and gaming, backed by optimized power management. The phones are also designed to maintain battery health for up to five years, aiming for more consistent long-term performance.

For faster top-ups, the Y21 5G supports 44W FlashCharge, allowing quicker recovery when you’re running low.

Durability also gets a boost. The new Y Series comes with IP64 or IP65 ratings for dust and water resistance, alongside SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance and military-grade certifications. Combined with a reinforced structure, these upgrades are meant to better handle everyday wear and accidental drops.

On the front, the devices feature a 6.745-inch display with up to 1200 nits brightness for improved outdoor visibility. vivo pairs this with OriginOS 6, promising smoother app launches, better multitasking, and up to 36 months of consistent performance.

The Y11 5G and Y21 5G bring faster connectivity for downloads and streaming, while the Y21 5G adds a 50MP main camera for clearer everyday shots.

Price and availability

The vivo Y Series is now available in Singapore through online platforms and authorized retailers.

• Y05
  • 8GB + 64GB – SGD 139
  • 8GB + 128GB – SGD 169
• Y11 5G
  • 8GB + 128GB – SGD 199
• Y21 5G
  • 12GB + 128GB – SGD 279

All models come in multiple color options including Summit Platinum, Voyage Black, and Champagne Gold depending on the variant.