Written by Jonny Williamson
The findings of a study conducted by global research and consultancy firm, Strategy Analytics, show that Samsung’s market share for Q1 2012 raised to 25.4 percent as Nokia’s fell to 22.5 percent. Though announcing profits have doubled in the same period, Apple is still a long way behind its two biggest rivals with just 9.5 percent.
Samsung’s net profit almost doubled to in the first three months of the year to $5.2 billion (£2.8 billion), the highest quarterly profits since 2008, with almost three-quarters being generated from its mobile division. The South-Korean giant managed to sell 93.5 million handsets for Q1, pushing Nokia from the top spot for the first time in 14 years.
Once thought of as being inferior to its competitors, last year saw Samsung smartphones narrowly outsell Apple’s, thanks in part to its successful partnership with Google’s Android operating system.
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The company’s recent dominance of the market has also been helped immeasurably by the growing popularity of its Galaxy smartphone and tablet range, outselling Apple’s iPhone and iPad equivalents.
In a statement, Samsung commented:
“Growth in shipments of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Note and Galaxy S II and other premium mobile devices yielded high returns, with significant growth in China, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa.”
Samsung, also the world’s largest television and flat-screen maker, is planning on launching the latest edition of its Galaxy smartphone next month, which is expected to continue to drive sales and profits forwards.
However, Samsung’s current position as market leader will be truly tested later this year when Apple release the latest edition to its trademark, and wildly fashionable, smartphone range, the iPhone 5.
Tom Kang, Director of Strategy Analytics, said:
“We expect Apple to grow further in the second quarter of the year, but the upcoming launch of Samsung’s new Galaxy S III smartphone model could slow iPhone growth in some regions if it is well received by operators and consumers.”
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