Mobile and Cell Phone Sales Compared

Recent Mobile and Cell phone stats show that 303 million cellphones were shipped worldwide in Q3 2008, only increasing by the slight amount of 5% year-on-year. There has been a visible slowdown in shipments to smaller markets - all of which points to the weakest growth rate since way back in 2002. 4 of the major mobile and cell phone players, only grew at single-digit rates or less. Apple was the standout with their iPhone, grabbing a 2% global share. Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG were well below their initial targets, while Apple, RIM and Samsung over achieved on their results.

Mobile and Cell Phone details:

-Nokia shipped 118 million handsets in the quarter, up 5% from the year prior. However it lost market share in every region and continues to miss opportunities in the U.S. where smartphone sales are especially strong.

-Samsung shipped 52 million handset, up 22% from last year. The company’s market share climbed to 17% and volumes increased in North America and Western Europe but were lackluster in emerging markets.

-Sony Ericsson sold 25.7 million handsets in the quarter, which marks a 1% decline.

-Motorola shipped 25.4 million handsets, a painful 32% decline from last year.

-LG shipped 23 million handsets, marking a 17% decline.

Not great news for sure but no surprise, either.