Samsung has become the new ruler of smartphones, snatching the reigns away from the world’s previous number one Apple, according to two separate reports. Today Research firm IDC estimated that Samsung shipped a record 42.2 million smartphone units during the first quarter of 2012, a 267 percent increase from 11.5 million during the same quarter last year. This number was just enough to pass Apple’s mark, as the Cupertino-based company shipped 35.1 million iPhones.
To validate the numbers reported by the IDC, mobile analyst firm Juniper Research reported nearly identical numbers, estimating that Samsung shipped 46.9 million smartphones in the first quarter, compared to Apple’s 35.1 million.
In IDC’s report, senior research analyst Ramon Llamas said, “The race between Apple and Samsung remained tight during the quarter, even as both companies posted growth in key areas.” He added “Apple launched its popular iPhone 4S in additional key markets, most notably in China, and Samsung experienced continued success from its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet and other Galaxy smartphones.”
This maybe true, but we sometimes forget that Apple sells only one phone compared to companies like Samsung who sell a slew of devices. Sammy’s numbers are impressive, but we still have to pay homage to the ridiculous numbers the iPhone 4S put up.
That being said, the IDC also noted that Samsung replaced the longtime leader Nokia to become the world’s top mobile phone vendor. Samsung is putting in some serious work.
[via IDC]