Nokia Tops Global Handset Shipment; Market Share Reaches 40%

(Business News & Technology News, 30 Jan 2008)

Global mobile phone shipments grew a modest 12 percent year-over-year, to reach 1.12 billion units in 2007, according to market researcher Strategy Analytics. Nokia had a strong fourth quarter and reached 40 percent share for the first time ever.

"Global cellphone shipments rose to 1.12 billion units in 2007, up 12 percent from 1 billion in 2006. We expect the economic environment to be tougher this year and forecast slower growth of 10 percent, for 1.24 billion units worldwide in 2008," says Bonny Joy, Analyst at Strategy Analytics.

"During the fourth quarter of 2007, 332 million mobile phones were shipped globally. Nokia was the star performer, registering a record 40 percent share. Despite fierce competition from ambitious rivals such as Samsung and Apple, Nokia still managed to gain ground last year. A famous brand, attractive handset lineup, strong technology portfolio and the industry's best logistics have enabled Nokia to achieve this impressive milestone," adds Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics.

Other findings from the Strategy Analytics Q4 2007 Global Handset Market Share Update report include:
- Motorola registered 12.3 percent global share in the fourth quarter of 2007, down sharply from 22.4 percent in Q4 2006. A failure to replace the popular Razr model has been the main cause of decline;

- Sony Ericsson continued to slow down. Its annual growth rate has plunged in recent quarters. Improved handset portfolios from Samsung, LG and Nokia are starting to have a competitive impact on Sony Ericsson.

- Apple shipped 2.3 million iPhone units worldwide, for a healthy 0.6 percent share in the fourth quarter of 2007. We predict Apple to be among the world's top 10 vendors by the end of 2008.




Click here for more information on the report