Strategy Analytics have reported that the iPhone 5 has outsold the Samsung Galaxy S3 in Q4 2012. The iPhone 5 is the world's best selling smartphone model for the first time in Q4 2012.
Strategy Analytics said the shift in sales favouring the iPhone 5 is attributed to “the rich touchscreen, extensive distribution and generous operator subsidies.”
The figures show that Apple shipped 27.4 million units worldwide in Q4 2012, rising from 6 million in Q3. The iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S managed to claim one in five smartphone shipments and the iPhone 5 alone secured 13 percent of the market.
Galaxy S3 shipments fell from 18 million units to 15.4 million in the same time frame, securing 7 percent marketshare in Q4. Strategy Analytics said the Galaxy S II popularity seems to ‘have reached its peak', remaining popular in Europe, Asia and America. Samsung are said to be keen to introduce the S4 as soon as possible to reclaim more sales through upgrades and new customers.
Kitguru says: Global shipments of smartphones increased from 172.8 million units in Q3 to 217 million units in Q4.