Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. claimed more than 22% market share in the United States last quarter, edging out the American icon, Motorola Inc., according to data released today by Strategy Analytics.
Yet the top three handset vendors in the U.S. are tightly bunched, with Samsung at 22.4% share, Motorola at 21.1% and LG Electronics Co. Ltd. with 20.5%, according to data first reported by The Wall Street Journal. A large handset order by a carrier – or a stumble in execution – could shift those rankings in a given quarter.
Still, past momentum appeared to favor Samsung, which has claimed the No. 2 position globally by swiftly delivering an appealing portfolio with the latest advancements, such as large, high-quality displays.
The data spelled danger for Motorola, which is in the midst of a turnaround that analysts have said depends on holding its lead in its home market.
Strategy Analytics reported that about 47 million handsets were shipped in the third quarter in the U.S., for a 6% growth rate over the year-ago quarter.
Bundling, subsidies and a pre-holiday ramp in handsets by carriers all accounted for the 6% boost, said Neil Mawston, analyst at Strategy Analytics.
“Samsung’s growing retail presence and an attractive high-tier handset portfolio for all big-four (U.S.) operators proved crucial” in achieving the No. 1 position, said Bonny Joy, analyst at Strategy Analytics.
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Top U.S. handset makers for the third quarter of 2008
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Vendor
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Q3’07
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Q2’08
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Q3’08
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| Samsung |
17.9%
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18.6%
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22.4%
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| Motorola |
32.7%
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25.8%
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21.1%
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| LG |
14.9%
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21.0%
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20.5%
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| Others |
34.4%
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34.6%
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36.0%
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| Source: Strategy Analytics | |||
Article modified Nov. 7 to include chart and additional information.
