WASHINGTON: The rise of the smartphone continued apace in 2015, with close to 1.5 billion devices shipped over the course of the year. This represents growth of 12 per cent compared to 2014, according to new research by Counterpoint.
Of the phones shipped last year, three in five were 4G-ready, demonstrating a major step forward for the technology. In the UK, Ofcom research shows that 4G subscriptions stood at 23.6 million at the end of 2014, which equates to more than one-third of the population. That figure will have only increased in 2015, and it’s safe to assume 4G take-up will soon reach half of the population, if it hasn’t already.
Counterpoint revealed there are close to 850 smartphone brands competing in the market globally, although the top 20 accounted for 85 per cent of shipments in 2015.
Samsung holds the greatest market share, making up just under one-fifth of all shipments. Apple comes in second with 17.9 per cent, followed by Huawei with eight per cent. The latter saw a 38 per cent increase in shipments last year, but is yet to become a major player here in the UK.
According to uSwitch’s Mobile Tracker, the iPhone remains the first choice with UK adults, with the 6s, 6 and 5s models the country’s top three most popular phones in January. Samsung is Apple’s closest rival, with the Galaxy S6 Edge and S6 taking up fourth and fifth spot in the top ten respectively.
Deloitte research has revealed more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of Brits now own smartphones and, as sales of the devices continue to grow across the world, we may well see that figure get close to the 100 per cent mark in the not-too-distant future.ADNFCR-2155-ID-801811832-ADNFCR
