It’s no surprise that smartphones have become the new favorite in the world of mobile devices, surpassing feature phones for the first time in terms of global shipments. Market research from IDC revealed that in the first quarter of 2013, a whopping 216.2 million smartphones were shipped worldwide. This milestone marked the first time smartphones accounted for over half (51.6 percent) of total global shipments, showcasing the ever-growing popularity of these tech-savvy devices.

The smartphone market experienced a significant 41.6 percent growth compared to the same quarter the year before. However, there was a slight 5.1 percent decline from the previous quarter, which is typical due to the post-holiday season slowdown. In total, 418.6 million mobile phones, including both smartphones and feature phones, were shipped globally in the first quarter of the year.

According to IDC analyst Kevin Restivo, the increasing demand for smartphones is driven by users’ desire to have mini-computers in their pockets, highlighting a shift from using phones solely for calls and texts to embracing a wide range of advanced functionalities.

Samsung maintained its lead in the market by shipping 70.7 million smartphones, showing a remarkable 60.7 percent year-over-year growth. Apple secured the second spot with 37.4 million iPhones shipped, reflecting a 6.6 percent increase. Other players in the top five, including LG, Huawei, and ZTE, also saw substantial growth in smartphone shipments during the quarter.

The rise of Chinese vendors such as Huawei and ZTE, alongside established players like Samsung, has reshaped the smartphone landscape. This dynamic shift has impacted Apple’s global market share, which dipped to 17.3 percent from 23 percent year-over-year, while Samsung’s market share climbed to 32.7 percent.

In summary, the surge in smartphone shipments and the evolving competitive landscape underscore the ongoing transformation in the mobile industry. As technology continues to advance rapidly, consumers are presented with a diverse array of smartphones offering innovative features and capabilities.

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