Global mobile phone shipments have grown 12 percent year-over-year, to reach 285 million units in the third quarter of this year, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. Of all the phone manufacturers included in the research, Samsung and Nokia (News - Alert) were the standouts.

 

“The rise of Samsung and Nokia is coming partly at the expense of Sony Ericsson and Motorola (News - Alert),” said Strategy Analytics analyst Bonny Joy. “Samsung is rapidly picking up share in 3G feature phones, where Sony Ericsson (News - Alert) has seen much recent success, while Nokia continues to outsell Motorola in the entry-tier GSM segment of emerging markets.”

 

“Total global cell phone shipments remain relatively sluggish, at just 12 percent annual growth, but Samsung (News - Alert) and Nokia continue to surge ahead,” added Strategy Analytcs associate director Neil Mawston. “Samsung is the fastest-growing top-five brand, with 47 percent annual shipment growth. Meanwhile, Nokia has easily the highest operating margin among all megavendors, with a 22 percent rate in its handset division.”