Nielsen: Android Still Number One as Smartphones Outpace Feature Phone Sales
Android continues to lead the US smartphone market as, for the first time ever, the sale of smartphones has surpassed the sale feature phones, according to Nielsen. A majority 55 percent of new cell phone buyers went with a smartphone as their new handset, an increase from 34 percent one year ago. Of US mobile users, 38 percent now own a smartphone. Android leads with a 38 percent share of the that market, up two percent, while Apple has also gained a percentage point to rise to 27 percent.
But Nielsen’s report isn’t all positive for Android. Android’s growth has leveled off a bit in terms of recent smartphone acquisitions while Apple’s is beginning to surge. It’s a battle that will continue to be fueled by a large selection of hot summer releases for the Android camp and rumors of the upcoming iPhone 5. The availability of the iPhone on multiple carriers no doubt plays a large part in its increase in recent acquisitions.
[via Nielsen]