Global Handset Shipments Hit Record 256 Million Units in Q3 2006

Global mobile phone shipments grew a healthy 22 percent year-over-year, to reach an all-time record 256 million units in Q3 2006, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. Sony Ericsson was the star performer, growing volumes at a market-leading annual rate of 43%.

Chris Ambrosio, Director of the Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service said, "Global mobile phone shipments reached a record high of 256 million units in Q3 2006, exceeding the previous record of 246 million set during Q4 2005. Sony Ericsson was the star performer in Q3, growing volumes at a market-leading 43% annual rate, slightly above the 39% registered by Motorola."

Neil Mawston, Associate Director of the Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, added, "Sony Ericsson, due to an improved product portfolio and excellent execution on delivery schedules, has become the fastest-growing and most profitable top-six handset vendor. The success of Sony Ericsson will ring alarm bells inside Motorola as it indicates not only that the competition is catching up, but that the current phase of 'Razr mania' has peaked. Clearly, the ball is back in Motorola's court and the pressure is growing for it to replace the unique, blockbuster Razr model which has driven its stellar performance over the last 2 years."

Other findings from Strategy Analytics' Q3 2006 Global Handset Market Share Update include:

• Samsung gained sequentially one point of global market share, due to healthy sales of its new Ultra Edition portfolio of slimphones;
• Nokia reached its highest level since Q4 2003, gaining 35% global share in Q3 2006. Following 242 million handset shipments during the first 3 quarters of 2006, Nokia is well on its way to surpassing a record 340M units for the full-year.

2006 Global Shipments and Market Share Estimates - Top 5 Vendors

Posted to the site on 23rd October 2006