IDC: Nokia, Apple retain positions as world's top two smartphone vendors

According to the International Data Corporation's (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped a total of 100.9 million smartphones during the fourth quarter of 2010 (4Q10), up 87.2% from the 53.9 million smartphones shipped during 4Q09. For the full year, vendors shipped a total of 302.6 million smartphones worldwide, up 74.4% from the 173.5 million smartphones shipped in 2009.

IDC expects further gains for the smartphone market in 2011, as smartphone vendors deepen and broaden their offerings.

Top Five Smartphone Vendors

Nokia noted the positive progress of its new Symbian^3 smartphones during 4Q10: five million units combined from the N8, C7, and C601 worldwide, a strong showing given their recent introduction to the market. At the same time, Nokia's volumes are largely comprised of older devices, while MeeGo-powered devices have yet to arrive on the market. In addition, Nokia continues to struggle in the North America market. The recent cancellation of the X7 smartphone at AT&T highlights Nokia's challenges and a new device has yet to be revealed.

Apple's iPhone gained more ground in the worldwide smartphone market, with shipment volume growth coming from Asia/Pacific and Japan. In addition, Apple made further inroads into the enterprise market, with more companies adding Apple to their approved smartphone list and increased development of corporate-centered applications. Rumors of an iPhone 5 have begun to heat up the blogosphere, with many expecting a new design and perhaps a mobile wallet.

Research In Motion reached a new shipment volume for a single quarter in 4Q10, and posted nearly identical year-over-year growth for both the quarter and the year. Driving growth was stronger interest from outside North America, with several markets posting double-digit gains. Meanwhile, RIM continued to enjoy market leadership in North America, but nonetheless saw mounting challenges from the competition.

Samsung took top honors for having the largest year-over-year improvement for both the quarter and for the year, largely fueled by its Galaxy S phones. Samsung has set its sights on growing market share at least 40% in 2011.

HTC reaped triple-digit growth for both the quarter and for the year. The company aims to become a preferred brand for smartphone users in 2011, while leveraging its scalability to drive business in Asia/Pacific and other emerging markets.

Top Five Smartphone Vendors, Shipments, and Market Share, Q4 2010 (Units in Millions)

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, January 27, 2011. Note: Vendor shipments are branded shipments and exclude OEM sales for all vendors.

Top Five Smartphone Vendors, Shipments, and Market Share, Calendar Year 2010 (Units in Millions)

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, January 27, 2011. Note: Vendor shipments are branded shipments and exclude OEM sales for all vendors.

Source: IDC

To: ~Kim4VRWC's~; 1234; 50mm; Abundy; Action-America; acoulterfan; AFreeBird; Airwinger; Aliska; ...

IDC says the Nokia, followed by Apple iPhones are still the top selling smart phones PING!

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3 posted on 02/08/2011 5:59:12 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft product "insult" free zone.)

Nokia is probably dropping Symbian and going to Windows Phone 7.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out. Many people have said that Windows Phone 7 is incredibly appealing, and perhaps, too easy, but is not gaining traction because it has already been done by Apple’s iPhone.

4 posted on 02/08/2011 6:01:13 PM PST by Erik Latranyi (Too many conservatives urge retreat when the war of politics doesn't go their way.)

Dang... FR sometimes interprets those codes, and sometimes it doesn’t

5 posted on 02/08/2011 6:10:30 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft product "insult" free zone.)

Nokia is probably dropping Symbian and going to Windows Phone 7.

Why should they PAY Microsoft for an OS when they can get Android for free and customize it for their own use? I think, if they do drop Symbian, which is only a rumor, they would go the free route.

6 posted on 02/08/2011 6:12:21 PM PST by Swordmaker (This tag line is a Microsoft product "insult" free zone.)

Why should they PAY Microsoft for an OS when they can get Android for free and customize it for their own use? I think, if they do drop Symbian, which is only a rumor, they would go the free route.

Their new CEO, Stephen Elop, used to work at MS. I guess it would depend on what kind of deal he could get with MS. Going with Android does mean partnering with Google.

Why should they PAY Microsoft for an OS when they can get Android for free and customize it for their own use?

Because otherwise Microsoft will sue them over patents. Microsoft is already getting money out of HTC for each Android phone sold.

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