Samsung has taken a sizeable lead in the smartphone market in terms of unit shipments. According to Juniper Research’s estimates, the Korean giant shipped 52.1 million smartphones in Q2 2012, just over double the number shipped by Apple – 26.0 million. What’s more, Samsung has also doubled its lead over Apple quarter-on-quarter, with its flagship Galaxy S III playing a key role, having achieved sales of 10 million in June. However, Apple will most likely strike back with the iPhone 5 which is expected to launch later in the year.
It’s important to note that while Galaxy S III has been a phenomenal success, Samsung is also offering a number of lower-end products in all price tiers. With 7.4 million smartphones shipped in Q2, RIM continues to struggle to cope with the transition to the touchscreen era, while Nokia (10.2 million) is yet to show any clear indication it is benefitting from the switch to Windows Phone 7, with its hopes riding on Windows 8.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Android smartphone makers are having tough time competing, with HTC, Motorola and LG all reporting meager numbers (when compared to Samsung’s).
Juniper thinks Sony has a potential to get back to the game, though I strongly disagree – the once proud electronics maker has lost its mojo and is far from an innovation powerhouse it used to be. That said, I may actually write a separate piece on the prospects of Sony. Stay tuned…