Gartner has posted its numbers looking at the mobile phone market last year. The numbers show a first for the smartphone industry as the number of smartphones sold outpaced the number of feature phones sold for the first time. Gartner shows that smartphone sales to end users in 2013 totaled 968 million units.
That means that smartphones accounted for 53.6% of all mobile phone sales in 2013. During the last quarter of 2013, the total sales for smartphones were 57.6% of the overall mobile phone market. That is an increase of 44% year over year. The top smartphone vendor in sales to end users for 2013 was Samsung with 31% of all devices sold. Second place went to Apple with 15.6% of all devices sold.
Market Dynamics and Trends
The shift from feature phones to smartphones marks a significant change in consumer behavior and technology adoption. Feature phones, which were once the dominant type of mobile device, have seen a decline as consumers increasingly prefer the advanced capabilities of smartphones. These capabilities include internet browsing, social media access, and a wide range of applications that enhance productivity and entertainment.
Samsung’s dominance in the market can be attributed to its wide range of smartphone models catering to various price points and consumer needs. From high-end devices like the Galaxy S series to more affordable options, Samsung has managed to capture a broad audience. Apple’s position, while strong, reflects its focus on the premium segment of the market with its iPhone series. Despite having a smaller market share compared to Samsung, Apple has maintained a loyal customer base and strong brand recognition.
Emerging Players and Future Outlook
Huawei took third place with 4.8% of the market, showing significant growth and establishing itself as a major player in the smartphone industry. Huawei’s success can be attributed to its aggressive marketing strategies and strong presence in both domestic and international markets. LG, with the same 4.8% market share, has also made strides, particularly in the mid-range segment where it offers competitive pricing and innovative features.
Lenovo, the last vendor on the list with 4.5% of the market, has been focusing on expanding its smartphone portfolio and leveraging its strong brand presence in the PC market to boost its mobile sales. The competition among these vendors highlights the dynamic nature of the smartphone market, where innovation and strategic positioning are key to gaining market share.
Interestingly, Apple ended 2013 with less market share than it had in 2012. This decline can be attributed to the increasing competition from Android-based smartphones, which offer a wide range of options at various price points. The Android operating system, being open-source, has allowed multiple manufacturers to produce devices that cater to different segments of the market, thereby increasing its overall market share.
The chart above provides a detailed look at the sales figures and growth rates of these top vendors. It is evident that the smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new players emerging and established brands striving to maintain their positions. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further shifts in market dynamics and consumer preferences.
The year 2013 marked a pivotal moment in the mobile phone industry, with smartphones surpassing feature phones in sales for the first time. This trend is likely to continue as more consumers adopt smartphones for their advanced features and capabilities. The competition among top vendors like Samsung, Apple, Huawei, LG, and Lenovo will drive further innovation and growth in the industry, shaping the future of mobile technology.
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