Samsung has the world’s largest smartphone brand in 2011, according to market watcher IHS.
But Apple had a strong Q4 with sales of iPhone 4S and was the leading smartphone supplier in the fourth quarter.
Apple in the fourth quarter of 2011 shipped 37 million smartphones worldwide, up 117% from 17 million in the second quarter.
This represented the strongest sequential quarterly growth among the Top 5 smartphone brands. Apple’s strong performance allowed it to slightly exceed Samsung’s total of 36 million.
“Apple’s introduction of the 4S in the fourth quarter unleashed tremendous pent-up demand for the iPhone as consumers awaited the arrival of the latest model,” said Wayne Lam, senior analyst, wireless communications at IHS.
"However, Apple and Samsung continue to run neck and neck in global smartphone shipments, setting up a tight battle for leadership that will continue throughout 2012,” said Lam.
Samsung for the entire year of 2011 shipped 95 million smartphones, up an explosive 278% from 25 million in 2010. This sales growth allowed it to pass both Apple and previous market leader Nokia to take the No. 1 rank for the entire year of 2011.
“Samsung advanced in 2011 because of its strategy of offering a complete line of smartphone products, spanning a variety of price points, features and operating systems,” Lam said.
The market share battle between Apple and Samsung reflects the competition between the two leading smartphone operating systems and ecosystems: Apple's iOS and Google's Android.
However, the other major Android licensees—Sony Ericsson and Motorola—did not match Samsung’s strong smartphone performance in the fourth quarter or for the entire year.
“The relatively small growth of Sony Ericsson and Motorola may indicate that the Android smartphone market is becoming too crowded as the various licensees compete for limited consumer mindshare and shelf space,” Lam said.
www.ihs.com