iPhone 5 and 4S Top Samsung Galaxy S III in Worldwide Smartphone Shipments in 4Q 2012

[MacRumors]

Back in November, research firm Strategy Analytics estimated that Samsung's Galaxy S III had topped the list of worldwide smartphone shipments for the third quarter of 2012, taking advantage of a lull in iPhone 4S sales ahead of the iPhone 5 launch to claim the crown.

Unsurprisingly, the firm's latest figures published today find that Apple easily reclaimed the title for the fourth quarter of the year with the iPhone 5 seeing shipments of 27.4 million units for 12.6% of the market.

Not only did the iPhone 5 top the market, but the iPhone 4S also saw more shipments than the Galaxy S III, as shipments of the previous-generation iPhone actually saw an uptick in the fourth quarter after Apple cut pricing.

Apple's iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S together accounted for 1 in 5 of all smartphones shipped worldwide in Q4 2012. This was an impressive performance, given the iPhone portfolio's premium pricing. We estimate Samsung's Galaxy S3 was the world's third best-selling smartphone model and it shipped 15.4 million units globally, capturing 7 percent share in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Strategy Analytics' numbers are of course an estimate, given that Apple does not break down iPhone sales by model and Samsung does not even release handset shipment data.

The leapfrog game between Apple and Samsung is likely to continue when Samsung launches its new flagship handset, the Galaxy S4, which is expected on March 14.

Article Link: iPhone 5 and 4S Top Samsung Galaxy S III in Worldwide Smartphone Shipments in 4Q 2012

[gpat]

Apple is doomed.

[Squilly]

Those are some really impressive numbers. Apple, time to play catch up!
$5 says Apple releases the iPhone 5S earlier because of the GS4.

[Wicked1]

Originally Posted by Squilly

Those are some really impressive numbers. Apple, time to play catch up!
$5 says Apple releases the iPhone 5S earlier because of the GS4.

I am not sure the 5S will share the same success as the 4S and the 5 have. Even though it can do more, it seems to be the main consensus for those wanting the larger screens, however what I see is that most like the iPhone (all models) because it is easier to use with iTunes etc, then those using other platforms, however I think this will change if they do not start to redesign their iOS,and make the iPhone 6 more interesting.

A new CPU, Camera, and Siri features just get you so far, they really need to put something in the phone that will trump their rivals and I have not seen them really do this since the iPhone 4 with retina, and the camera in the 4S.

I switched to the Galaxy Note II for the camera features, and the ability to extend my storage as well as a bigger screen. If Apple increases the IP6 to 4.5 or 4.7 and changes iOS to be more customizable, I will be back in a heartbeat, but until then, I like the larger screen for reading and basic phone features. I feel both OS's do what they need to about the same.

[BvizioN]

So much for taller and NOT wider screen.

[Winni]

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we? And if that doesn't help, let's also add the iPhone 4 and the Galaxy S to the mix.

Are those ridiculous statistics really necessary? By now everybody already knows that Samsung sells more UNITS than Apple while Apple still has a larger profit margin because they only sell devices in the high-end price segment.

And unless Apple all of a sudden also enters the low-end price segment (i.e. smartphones WITHOUT contract for LESS than 99 USD), those figures won't magically change.

[Mascots]

Originally Posted by Winni

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we? And if that doesn't help, let's also add the iPhone 4 and the Galaxy S to the mix.

Are those ridiculous statistics really necessary? By now everybody already knows that Samsung sells more UNITS than Apple while Apple still has a larger profit margin because they only sell devices in the high-end price segment.

And unless Apple all of a sudden also enters the low-end price segment (i.e. smartphones WITHOUT contract for LESS than 99 USD), those figures won't magically change.

It's nice to see an estimate on how Apple is doing with overall sales in the high end market, which includes the S3...

[palmharbor]

I would ask: Is this the most important concern of Mac and Apple users
that really belongs in the Wall Street Journal...what is the most important
issue, is the security update offered today for download. Too often I find this site to be devoted to business news and if that is the intent, why not create a new webpage: APPLEBUSINESSNEWS.COM

[lkrupp]

Originally Posted by palmharbor

I would ask: Is this the most important concern of Mac and Apple users
that really belongs in the Wall Street Journal...what is the most important
issue, is the security update offered today for download. Too often I find this site to be devoted to business news and if that is the intent, why not create a new webpage: APPLEBUSINESSNEWS.COM

While I couldn't agree more with you the fact is that fans on both sides like to play the "mine is bigger than yours" game or the "my dad is better than your dad" cliche. The iHater crowd in this thread proves that point. They want Apple gone, out of business, eradicated from the face of the earth. They want no mention of the company or its products anywhere. Yes, they are that insecure about their choice of devices and its why they squat on MacRumors.

But you are right that stock price, market share, sales figures, etc., are of little interest to users who just want to use and enjoy their devices.

[unlinked]

I guess quarterly figures helps generate more articles but it would be nice to see some comparisons of annual figures since Apple and Samsung produce their new lead phones once a year.

[DeathChill]

Originally Posted by Winni

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we? And if that doesn't help, let's also add the iPhone 4 and the Galaxy S to the mix.

Are those ridiculous statistics really necessary? By now everybody already knows that Samsung sells more UNITS than Apple while Apple still has a larger profit margin because they only sell devices in the high-end price segment.

And unless Apple all of a sudden also enters the low-end price segment (i.e. smartphones WITHOUT contract for LESS than 99 USD), those figures won't magically change.

I can only assume you read the title and not the post. I thought they meant a combined total when I read the title but the chart and article point out that the 4S and 5 both outsold the S3 individually.


\/\/ Read the post.

[Krazy Bill]

Originally Posted by Winni

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we?

My first thought as well.

Holy crap... while I can understand people rooting for Apple (myself included) the distortion and propaganda around here is mind-boggling at times.

[MuddyPaws1]

Originally Posted by Krazy Bill

My first thought as well.

Holy crap... while I can understand people rooting for Apple (myself included) the distortion and propaganda around here is mind-boggling at times.

Not exactly apples to apples is it?

[BaldiMac]

Originally Posted by MuddyPaws1

Not exactly apples to apples is it?

How is comparing an individual smartphone model to another individual smartphone model not apples to apples?

[Small White Car]

Originally Posted by Winni

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we?

Originally Posted by Krazy Bill

Holy crap... while I can understand people rooting for Apple (myself included) the distortion and propaganda around here is mind-boggling at times.

Originally Posted by MuddyPaws1

Not exactly apples to apples is it?

What?

If I ask "What are the top 3 grossing movies this weekend?" that's an interesting question.

You then want to know "But which studio made more money if you add up all of their films?" Ok, that's another interesting question, but it does not make my question bad, or wrong, or propaganda. It's just a different fact. You asking a new question does not negate mine or make it irrelevant.

[BaldiMac]

Originally Posted by somethingelsefl

I agree. Can anyone give a good reason why Samsung's older model was not including when Apple's older model was included? After all, just like the iPhone 4S...the S2 is still on sale in many markets (even with a similar pricing model).

Yes. Pretty simple. They only included the top 3 models in this table.

[palmharbor]

Originally Posted by Krazy Bill

My first thought as well.

Holy crap... while I can understand people rooting for Apple (myself included) the distortion and propaganda around here is mind-boggling at times.

This a public relations site for the Apple Corporation...simple

[Small White Car]

Originally Posted by palmharbor

This a public relations site for the Apple Corporation...simple

Yep, the only PR site in the world to post dozens and dozens of articles about iPhone antennae problems, iOS's terrible Maps, Foxconn suicides and child labor, and professional's complaints about stagnant Mac Pros and Final Cut X omissions.

Congratulations, you figured it out. Arn is just an Apple PR guy who is really, really, really bad at his job.

[pgiguere1]

Originally Posted by Winni

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we? And if that doesn't help, let's also add the iPhone 4 and the Galaxy S to the mix.

Are those ridiculous statistics really necessary? By now everybody already knows that Samsung sells more UNITS than Apple while Apple still has a larger profit margin because they only sell devices in the high-end price segment.

And unless Apple all of a sudden also enters the low-end price segment (i.e. smartphones WITHOUT contract for LESS than 99 USD), those figures won't magically change.

The table shows smartphone shipment share as well as market share, not profit share.

The Galaxy line is actually behind in all areas (not sure if you include all Samsung models, including low-end Android 2.3 models, though).

Android as a whole beats the iPhone worldwide, but it doesn't it the US.

[street.cory]

I don't think anyone expects Apple to stay in first place as far as innovation AND sales go. History repeats itself.

The difference is we want Apple to continue to be the frontrunner. But in an area where innovation and advancements have happened so quickly with smartphones ever since the iPhone; it is expected to have other companies to catch copy, catch up, and/or innovate.

Apple has to respond. How they do that is ultimately up to them. I hope they take their own advice and not stretch themselves too thin and don't start introducing "crappy stuff".

[Mascots]

Originally Posted by street.cory

I don't think anyone expects Apple to stay in first place as far as innovation AND sales go. History repeats itself..

Apparently the stock market does.

[street.cory]

Originally Posted by Mascots

Apparently the stock market does.

The stock market analysts do. And the stock market analysts make nearly unattainable expectations for Apple. They had one of their best years and their stock price plummeted; not because of performance but because they "didn't meet analyst expecations". I don't expect Apple to fade away like BlackBerry or even hold a spot like Microsoft in the mobile phone market. I just believe the onslaught of Android devices of all form and fashion over the past 4 years has finally started to take its toll on Apple's shipments.

[iGrip]

Originally Posted by Mascots

Apparently the stock market does.

From what we've seen over the last few months, Wall Street does NOT expect Apple to stay on top.

Exactly the opposite, in fact.

[frank8880]

Originally Posted by Winni

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we? And if that doesn't help, let's also add the iPhone 4 and the Galaxy S to the mix.

Are those ridiculous statistics really necessary? By now everybody already knows that Samsung sells more UNITS than Apple while Apple still has a larger profit margin because they only sell devices in the high-end price segment.

And unless Apple all of a sudden also enters the low-end price segment (i.e. smartphones WITHOUT contract for LESS than 99 USD), those figures won't magically change.

winni please stop whining, apple ftw brah.

[phillipduran]

Originally Posted by Winni

Now let's compare the combined iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S sales with the combined Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2 sales, shall we? And if that doesn't help, let's also add the iPhone 4 and the Galaxy S to the mix.

Ya, my first thoughts in reading the article was that this is not the way to compare things.

Let's just add in more hardware versions until our total sales exceed their single item sales.