According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com), global smartphone shipments grew 41% annually to reach 145 million units in the first quarter of 2012. Samsung and Apple together captured more than half of global smartphone shipments for the first time ever.

"Samsung overtook Apple to become the world’s largest smartphone vendor by volume with a record 31% market share," says Alex Spektor, associate director at Strategy Analytics. " Samsung’s global smartphone shipments rose 253% annually to 44.5 million units, as demand surged for its popular Galaxy models such as the Note, S2 and Y."

Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics, adds: "Apple shipped 35.1 million smartphones worldwide and captured 24% marketshare, as volumes strengthened in key countries such as China, United States and Japan. Samsung and Apple combined now account for more than half of global smartphone shipments for the first time ever. Samsung and Apple are outcompeting most of their major rivals and the smartphone market is at risk of becoming a two-horse race."