Apple Became The Top Smartphone Vendor In 4Q 2011

Today analytics firm IDC published a report covering five major smartphone manufacturers by market share and shipments for the final quarter of 2011. There is no surprise that Apple takes the first position. According to firm’s data, smartphone manufacturers shipped 157.8 million devices in the fourth quarter, of which 37 million came from Apple, accounting for 23.5% share of the market in the quarter.

According to the report, Samsung was close to Apple with 36 million devices shipped and 22.8% of the market. However, while taking the first position thanks to the strong demand for iPhone 4S, Apple also set a new record in number of devices shipped during the quarter. Among the reasons for iPhone 4S’ strong demand the firm cites the addition of new mobile carriers and delay in the device launch from the third to the fourth quarter.

Despite the Apple’s record-breaking quarter, Samsung was still able finish the FY 2011 as the top smartphone vendor. Samsung came out on the top in 2011 by shipping 94 million devices, in comparison to Apple’s 93.2 million devices. Also Samsung recorded the largest year-over-year growth of 275%, compared to Apple’s 128.4%.

While saying that Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus and Apple’s iPhone 4S have attracted the majority of the attention on the market, IDC’s Kevin Restivo noted that a growing number of Android devices priced under $250 have allowed vendors of Anroid-based smartphones to rapidly increase their shipment volumes.

In total, during 2011 smartphone shipments increased to 491.4 million units from just 304.7 million units, a 61.3% year-over-year growth.