8 in 10 smartphones sold globally are Android, Microsoft makes progress

According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global smartphone shipments grew 47 percent annually to reach 230 million units in the second quarter of 2013. Android captured a record 80 percent share all smartphone volumes worldwide, while Microsoft solidified its position in third place.

Scott Bicheno, Senior Analyst at [url=http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/WSS/post/2013/08/01/Strategy-Analytics-Android-Captures-Record-80-Percent-Share-of-Global-Smartphone-Shipments-in-Q2-2013.aspx]Strategy Analytics[/c], said "Global smartphone shipments grew 47 percent annually from 156.5 million units in Q2 2012 to 229.6 million in Q2 2013. Growth was driven by strong demand for Android models across all price-tiers in developed and developing markets, such as the US, China and Brazil. Android now accounts for an impressive 8 in 10 of all smartphones shipped on the planet."

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Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "The Android operating system captured a record 80 percent share of all smartphones shipped worldwide in the second quarter of 2013. Competitive licensing costs, numerous hardware partners and a large apps store continue to be among the main drivers of Android’s success. Apple iOS reached 14 percent global smartphone share in the quarter, its lowest level since Q2 2010. Microsoft slotted into third position with 4 percent share, reaching its highest level in the global smartphone market for three years."

Linda Sui, Analyst at Strategy Analytics, added, "Microsoft is making steady progress in the smartphone market due to strong support from Nokia. However, we believe Microsoft’s WP8 platform still needs to improve in at least two areas before it truly takes off. First, the license fee charged to smartphone makers for WP8 must be more competitive to compete with Android in lower price-bands. And second, Microsoft must dramatically accelerate its support for advanced technologies, such as octo-core chipsets, because WP8 continues to lag behind Android in the premium smartphone category."