Samsung Up 223% YOY in the Smartphone Segment in Q3, IDC Says

South Korean mobile phone maker Samsung managed to secure the leading position on the smartphone market during the third quarter of the ongoing year, and the latest data from IDC brings some more info on the matter.

Samsung shipped over 23.6 million smartphones in the third quarter of the ongoing year, grabbing a fifth of the total market, and leaving behind both Apple and its iPhone, as well as Nokia.

This is the first time ever when Samsung passes the 20 million sold smartphones mark, greatly helped by Android-powered devices, which drove sales upwards.

Samsung Galaxy S II was one of the top selling handsets, but the vendors bada handsets were successful as well.

“Samsung's ascendancy to the leadership position is the direct result of its broad and deep product portfolio,” said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Technology and Trends team.

“Ever since the first Galaxy device launched last year, the company has aggressively expanded and refreshed its selection to include the latest innovations and most popular features. At the same time, its line-up of bada-branded smartphones has earned a welcome reception within key markets.”

When compared to the third quarter of the last year, Samsung's market share went up 223.3 percent.

The worldwide smartphone market went up 42.6 percent in Q3 2011 when compared to the same quarter a year ago, the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker shows. Vendors shipped a number of 118.1 million smartphones in 3Q11.

The smartphone segment grew slower due to the lack of a new iPhone model, IDC notes, though sizable year-over-year gains were still posted for key markets, such as Western Europe and the United States.

“Vendors will struggle to maintain leadership of the global smartphone market this year given its continued high growth, which opportunities for multiple companies to grow,” said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker.

“Competitors will release smartphones with components, such as 3D displays, dual-core processors, and enhanced audio capabilities, that will help them drive higher shipment volumes and potentially leapfrog competitors.”

In addition to Samsung and Apple, the top five smartphone vendors also included Nokia on the third position, HTC on the fourth, and Research In Motion on the fifth place.