The latest research from Gartner show that mobile sales are growing, even before the launch of the wonder iPhone.
- Device sales rose 15% Q3 2007
- 289 million units shipped Q3
"Even though relatively few models were introduced this quarter, overall sales exceeded expectations. Mobile phone sales were mainly driven by strong performances in Asia/Pacific and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa," said Carolina Milanesi, research director for mobile devices research at Gartner.
- Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG make up 81.6 percent of the global market
- Nokia remains number 1 – 110 million units
- Samsung (42 million) rises to number 2 whilst Motorola slips down 1 to 3rd (-7.6% share)
- Sony Ericsson (25.4 million)
- LG shipped (20.5 million)
- Average unit price fell 9% due to high sales of low cost mobiles
- Western Europe – 15% growth
- North America – 10.3% growth
- Global Growth – 10-15% growth expected
"Although the third quarter of 2007 was stronger than we anticipated, we are confident that sales in the fourth quarter will continue to be strong," said Carolina Milanesi. We expect a quarter-on-quarter growth of at least 10 percent and, possibly, as high as 15 percent. This would result in worldwide mobile phone sales for 2007 being in line with our expectations of 1.134 billion units or slightly higher."