iPhone 5 Is the World’s Best Selling Smartphone Model in Q4 2012

The latest iPhone model overtook Samsung's Galaxy S3 to become the world's best selling smartphone for the first time ever in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics.

The research firm cited “a rich touchscreen, extensive distribution and generous operator subsidies” as they key factors that made the iPhone 5 leader of the pack.

Neil Shah, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics, said that in addition to the iPhone 5, Apple also shipped roughly 17.4 million iPhone 4S handsets. In Q4 2012 Apple owned 8 percent of the smartphone share globally.

“Apple's iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S are currently the world's two most popular smartphone models,” said Shah.

Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics, added that “Samsung will surely be keen to introduce its rumored Galaxy S4 upgrade in the coming weeks to fight back against Apple's popular iPhone range.”