Android has become the first operating system ever to ship one billion smartphones, globally. As per a report on global smartphone sales by Strategy Analysis, it was revealed that in 2013, Android shipped 0.8 billion handsets, which has increased to 1 billion in 2014.
For a technology platform which is only a decade old, this is certainly stellar performance which further cements Google’s position in this niche.
Globally, there was an increase of 30% in smartphone sales as total of 1.3 billion units were sold in 2014, compared to 1 billion in 2013. Android commanded a massive 81% share in overall smartphone market in 2014.
Apple, which declared record profits of $18 billion, which has been declared as a new corporate record for quarterly earnings, captured 15% of global smartphone market selling 192.7 million units last year. In 2013, Apple sold 153.4 million units.
Windows OS displayed pathetic performance with just 3% market share in 2014 as they managed to sell only 38.8 million units.
The report observes that highest growth rate of smartphone sales (both Android and iOS) is being witnessed in emerging markets such as China and Indonesia, and the steep growth rate will continue in 2015.
As per IDC’s global smartphone sales tracker, Samsung’s market share has decreased 11% in 2014, compared to 2013, whereas Apple has increased 46%. The biggest gainer of global market share was Xiaomi with whooping 178.6% increase, followed by Lenovo with 77.9% increase.
Micromax Again Beats Samsung In India
Inside India, Micromax continues to maintain it’s lead against Samsung as for the last quarter in 2014 (October-December), Micromax captured 22% of the Indian smartphone market, compared to 20% by Samsung.
As per research conducted by Canalys, Micromax sold 4.6 million smartphones in India during Q4 of 2014, compared to 4.4 million by Samsung. Karbonn with 2 million units safely positioned themselves at #3, followed by Lava at 1.5 million.
The research by Canalys states that it is for the first time that Micromax has beaten Samsung in India, which is not true. In August last year, we had reported that for the first time Micromax has overtaken Samsung in India, as per Counterpoint Research study.
However, the latest report from Canalys re-confirms the fact that India born Micromax has indeed maintained their numero-uno position in India with their smart marketing and unique product offering.
For instance, in the Q4 of 2014, 23% of all smartphones sold in India were priced below $100 (Rs 6000), whereas 41% of all smartphones were between Rs 6000 – Rs 12,000 range. Both of these categories are flooded with various models from Micromax, and for a first time user of smartphones, they have effectively showcased a range of options which is absent in Samsung’s range of devices.
Right now, India is among the fastest growing markets for smartphones, with a 90% growth rate year on year. Overall, 21.6 million handsets were sold in India, and with a meagre difference of 2% between #1 Micromax and #2 Samsung, it would be really interesting to see what lies ahead.
Reports: Strategy Analytics ; Canalys; IDC
[…] following Micromax’s growth rate in recent years are actually surprised by this new offering. They have already beaten Samsung to become India’s largest handset vendor (and smartphone vendor), as they grabbed an impressive 22% market share during the Q4 of 2014 […]
[…] Micromax has increased its lead over Samsung and remains the Top Smartphone company in India. Android has become the first operating system ever to ship one billion smartphones, globally. […]