Global smartphone sales pick up on fierce competition
AFP
AFP, WASHINGTON: Global smartphone sales gained in the third quarter as major vendors ramped up special deals and financing to attract buyers, a survey showed on Wednesday.
A survey by IDC showed global smartphone sales of 355.2 million in the July-September period, up 6.8 per cent from a year ago and the second highest quarterly total on record.
Samsung remained the top vendor, delivering 84.5 million handsets or 23.5 per cent of the total market, followed by Apples 48 million which gave the US firm 13.5 per cent.
Chinas Huawei cemented its hold on third place with a 7.5 per cent market share and 26.5 million units, followed by Chinese rivals Lenovo and Xiaomi, which each captured slightly more than five per cent.
IDC analysts said consumers are seeing new buying options including unlocked handsets which can be used on several carriers, and financing plans to pay for the device over time. Apple this year began these strategies to entice buyers for its high-end iPhones.
The vendor landscape and product offerings are really unique at the moment as many markets are seeing consumers become more aware of alternative buying options when it comes to paying for their smartphone, said IDCs Ryan Reith.
In mature and subsidized markets, we now have a wide range of operators offering equipment installation plans), as well as early trade-in options. At the same time the number of unlocked/off-contract offerings has increased significantly and its slowly starting to resonate with consumers.
IDC said there is intense competition at the high end between Apple and Samsung, each of which introduced new models this year, as well as in the budget range.
The third quarter placed a substantial emphasis on flagship devices as vendors tried to outclass each other in both features and design, said IDC research manager Anthony Scarsella.
