Independent reports say that Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has become the third largest in the global market after Samsung and Apple. According to International Data Corportation, Huawei managed to ship 10.8 million smartphone units during the fourth quarter of 2012, as well as 89.5% year-over-year growth. In comparison, Samsung shipped 63.7 million smartphones, while Apple sold 47.8 million units during that same time period.
Rounding out the top five smartphone vendors in the world are Sony, with 9.8 million units shipped, and ZTE, with shipments of 9.5 million.
Meanwhile, Samsung also leads in absolute smartphone market share with 29%, followed by Apple with 21.8%. Huawei, Sony, and ZTE have 4.9%, 4.5%, and 4.3% of the market, respectively.
Ramon Llamas, research manager of IDC’s mobile phone team, says that the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE among the top five smartphone vendors shows a “significant shift for the global market.”
“Both companies have grown volumes by focusing on the mass market, but in recent quarters they have turned their attention toward higher-end devices,” Llamas adds. “In addition, both companies have pushed the envelope in terms of industrial design with larger displays and smaller form factors, as well as innovative applications and experiences.”
