The worldwide mobile phone market declined 1.5% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2012 (1Q12), as Samsung ousted longtime leader Nokia to become the world's top mobile phone vendor, according to new data from the IDC research group (http://www.idc.com). Though Apple slipped to second place among smartphones, it posted strong year-over-year growth.



In fact, the Apple smartphone saw 35.1 million units shipped during Q112. Apple's gains in the market benefited from iPhone availability at additional mobile operators worldwide, as well as sustained end-user demand among both consumers and enterprise users, notes IDC.

"The race between Apple and Samsung remained tight during the quarter, even as both companies posted growth in key areas," says Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Technology and Trends program. "Apple launched its popular iPhone 4S in additional key markets, most notably in China, and Samsung experienced continued success from its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet and other Galaxy smartphones. With other companies in the midst of major strategic transitions, the contest between Apple and Samsung will bear close observation as hotly-anticipated new models are launched."