Global Smartphone Shipments Pass 300 Million In Q2; Android Extends Lead In Market Share

Fueled by surging growth by Android in emerging markets, smartphone companies shipped a record 301.3 million devices during the second quarter, according to a report released by the International Data Corporation today.

Android accounted for 255.3 million devices shipped — 84.7% of the total, a 33.3% gain over the second quarter of 2013 and nearly double its share from three years ago. Second-place Apple shipped 35.2 million units in the quarter, up 12.7% year over year, but representing a market share decline of 1.3 percentage points. Of course, Apple’s results should be boosted later this year by the expected introduction of the iPhone 6.

Apple’s high-end, higher-cost devices put it at a disadvantage in emerging markets, where Android is thriving.

[pullquote]”During the second quarter, 58.6% of all Android smartphone shipments worldwide cost less than $200 off contract, making them very attractive compared to other devices.”[/pullquote]

“With many of its OEM partners focusing on the sub-$200 segments, Android has been reaping huge gains within emerging markets,” said Ramon Llamas, research manager with IDC’s Mobile Phone team, in a release. “During the second quarter, 58.6% of all Android smartphone shipments worldwide cost less than $200 off contract, making them very attractive compared to other devices. With the recent introduction of Android One, in which Google offers reference designs below $100 to Android OEMs, the proportion of sub-$200 volumes will climb even higher.”

After Android and Apple — which accounted for 96.4% of the market in the quarter — the rest of the market is struggling with Windows Phone, BlackBerry and the Others category all showing year over year decreases.