Samsung shipped one-third of all smartphones sold worldwide during second quarter of 2013 while while Apple’s market share fell to its lowest level in three years, according to a report from Strategy Analytics.
The South Korean company shipped over two times more smartphones than Apple during the quarter, which was mainly driven by demand of its flagship Galaxy S4 model in China and other parts of the world.
Global smartphone shipments increased by 47% during the second quarter of 2013 to 230 million units, compared to 156.5 million units sold in the corresponding period last year.
Strategy Analytics senior analyst Neil Shah said this was the largest volume of smartphones ever shipped in a single quarter.
"Smartphones accounted for 59 percent of all mobile phones shipped globally," Shah added.
"The smartphone industry’s shipment growth rate, which is higher today than a year ago, is being driven by surging demand for 4G models in developed regions like the US and 3G models in emerging markets such as India."
Samsung reported 56% increase annually and shipped a record 76 million smartphones worldwide, representing 33% market share in the quarter.
During the quarter Apple shipped 31.2 million iPhones taking a market share of 14% and representing a 20% annual growth.
Strategy Analytics executive director Neil Mawston said, "The current iPhone portfolio is under-performing and Apple is at risk of being trapped in a pincer movement between rival 3-inch Android models at the low-end and 5-inch Android models at the high-end."
Strategy Analytics analyst Linda Sui said that LG’s global shipments doubled year-over-year to 12.1 million units in the second quarter of 2013.
"LG captured 5 percent share and maintained its position as the world’s third largest smartphone vendor for the second straight quarter," Sui said.
"The popular Optimus and Nexus models have been the main drivers of LG’s success. If LG can expand its retail presence and marketing in major countries such as the US or China, LG could quietly start to challenge Apple for second position."
ZTE sold 11.5 million smartphones worldwide to occupy fourth position representing a 5% marketshare during the quarter, while Huawei shipped 11.1 million smartphones to held fifth position.
