Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
It’s been a long and sometimes difficult road for Google’s Pixel hardware. After years of finding its footing, stumbling on hardware choices, and working to build a market presence, it looks like the company is truly reaping the rewards of its persistence.
Following a report last month that the Pixel 10 series was the fastest-growing premium smartphone line, new data from Counterpoint Research confirms the trend: Pixel sales in the US have surged, hitting a record high.
The impressive new numbers
According to the new data, Pixel sales in the US have seen a massive 28% increase compared to the previous year. This “dramatic” push is being attributed directly to the strong performance and positive reception of the Pixel 10 series.
But the most monumental stat comes from the all-important premium ($600+) phone category. In September 2025, Google managed to capture 6.1% of that premium market. While 6.1% might not sound like a market-dominating figure on its own, it’s an absolutely massive leap when you look at where Google was. According to Counterpoint’s data, in 2022, Pixel held just 0.1% of this market.
Going from a statistical rounding error to a solid 6.1% share in just a couple of years is a testament to how successful the Pixel 9 and now the Pixel 10 have been in convincing consumers to make the switch.
Why is this happening now?
The report rightly points out that the smartphone market has stagnated, with hardware innovation slowing down. The reason for this new growth isn’t just about better hardware; it’s about the software and AI experience. Google’s strategy of deeply integrating Gemini into every facet of Android is what users are responding to. This AI-first approach is no longer a gimmick; it’s the key differentiator.
While Apple is still the overall market leader and Samsung remains the king of the Android space, this data shows Google is really beginning to gain some ground. It’s no longer just a niche product for tech enthusiasts; the Pixel line is becoming a serious contender for the top spot in the Android world.
SUBSCRIBE TO UPSTREAM
Get Chrome Unboxed delivered straight to your inbox
Upstream is our flagship, curated newsletter with the top stories, most click-worthy deals, giveaways, and trending articles from Chrome Unboxed sent directly to your inbox a few times a week. Join 31,000+ subscribers.
