Smartphone sales increase by a quarter in Q3 2014

IDC's latest smartphone tracker report has revealed smartphone sales have increased by more than 25 per cent in the last quarter, with shipments above 300 million units for the second consecutive quarter.

The research also revealed competition between Samsung and Apple is growing, with Samsung remaining the clear leader in worldwide shipments and Apple seeing a boost with 10 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus shipments in its opening weekend. However, the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C remained to make up the bulk of Apple sales.

Samsung made up 23.8 per cent of market share while Apple lagged behind with 12 per cent. Samsung's shipments were almost double that of Apple's. However, Samsung lost 8.2 per cent of market share compared to the same quarter of last year and Apple grew by 16.1 per cent.

Chinese device maker Xiaomi, Lenovo and LG made up the next three positions. It was Xiaomi's first entry into the global top five, boosting its market share from 2.1 per cent in Q3 2013 up to 5.3 per cent this year - a total increase of 211.3 per cent.

Ryan Reith, Program Director with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker said: "Despite rumors of a slowing market, smartphone shipments continue to see record-setting volumes.

"We've finally reached a point where most developed markets are experiencing single-digit growth while emerging markets are still growing at more than 30% collectively."

Lenovo is the smartphone manufacturer to watch in the coming months after it completed its acquisition of Motorola earlier this week.

The company has vowed to become the biggest smartphone manufacturer in the world, with Yang Tuanqing, Lenovo chairman and CEO, saying: "We achieved a historic milestone for Lenovo and for Motorola and together we are ready to compete, grow and win in the global smartphone market. By building a strong number three and a credible challenger to the top two in smartphones, we will give the market something it has needed: choice, competition and a new spark of innovation."

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.