Globally, total smartphone shipments for the quarter fell by 11% year-on-year for the quarter, according to figures earlier in the year from Canalys, another analyst firm, with about 309 million units being shipped.

Apple's 62% share was its highest in the first quarter since 2017, Counterpoint said. Smartphones that have a wholesale average selling price of US$400 (A$575) and over fall into its premium segment.

Apple's iPhone 13 was its best-selling model in the first quarter of 2022, a feat it has achieved since October 2021. The best-selling Android model for the first three months of 2022 was the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Chinese brands took up the remaining spots in the top five, with Oppo (including OnePlus), Xiaomi and vivo taking positions three to five. However the share of the premium market commanded by Chinese brands had fallen, Counterpoint said, though, again, it did not provide any numbers.

The analyst firm said foldable phones appeared to be gaining some traction, led by Samsung, capturing 3% of the premium segment.

Higher selling prices meant that despite a drop in the sales numbers, the revenue earned went up.