According to market research firm Canalys, smartphones had a really big year in 2010. In the last quarter of the year, smartphone shipments increased to 101.2 million units. That’s double what they were previously. A big part of this success comes from Google’s Android platform. Overall, Android phone sales went up 615% year over year. In Q4 2009, Android only held 8.7% of total sales. Now it’s sitting on top with a 32.9% share.
That’s not to say the Google rival Apple had it rough. The iPhone 4 was the single most popular handset, and Apple itself managed to best RIM with a 16% share. Nokia’s numbers are also of note. The maker of N and E series smartphones has traditionally held the top sop in total shipped units. But now Google has taken that spot.
It seems like a lock that smartphone sales will continue to rise. While not everyone needs them, cheaper smartphones will continue luring new users this year. Do you think Android will contionue its rise, or will Apple short circuit those plans?
