Samsung Galaxy S3 passes iPhone in sales

CBC News

Posted: Nov 8, 2012 10:04 AM ET

Last Updated: Nov 8, 2012 2:40 PM ET

Samsung says it has sold 30 million Galaxy smartphones since the S3 was launched in May. (Reuters)

For the first time, Samsung's latest smartphone has surpassed a version of Apple's iPhone in global sales, a major telecom research firm suggests.

Samsung sold 18 million units of its Galaxy S3 between July and September 2012. That was good enough for 11 per cent of the global total of 168 million units and marks the first time since the iPhone's release that a non-Apple device has held the top spot.

Strategy Analytics says Samsung's sales bested those at Apple, which saw 16.2 million versions of the iPhone 4S during that time period.

Samsung launched the Galaxy S3 in May, giving it a several-month head start on most device makers' latest offerings. Indeed, Apple launched the iPhone 5 in September. Its sales are so strong that Strategy Analytics says it expects Apple to reclaim the top spot during the fourth quarter of 2012.

Apple sold six million units of the iPhone 5 in its first month, so adding that to iPhone 4 sales, Apple still claims the overall sales dominance.

All in all, Samsung says it has sold 30 million Galaxy S3's in the five months since the device's launch. Nomura Financial Investment in Seoul forecasts that Samsung will sell 67 million smartphones in the October-December quarter.

2 companies in global fight for market share

Samsung does not disclose its quarterly smartphone sales figures, but analysts and research firms say the company sold a record 56 million to 58 million smartphones in July-September.

Research firm IDC ranks the South Korean firm as the world's top smartphone seller in the last three quarters. In the latest July-September period, Samsung sold 56.3 million smartphones versus Apple's 26.9 million, IDC said.

The two companies have been involved in a global fight for market share, exchanging lawsuits on four continents and taking aim at each other in marketing campaigns.

Samsung launched a wildly popular commercial during the iPhone 5 launch that suggested the Galaxy S3 already had all the features that those lining up for the iPhone 5 were so eager to get their hands on.

Apple has been obligated to publish a disclaimer on its website in some countries after a British judge dismissed the company's claim that Samsung had stolen its ideas.

Stay Connected with CBC News

Big Box Advertisement

Must Watch

Latest Technology & Science News Headlines

Astronaut Chris Hadfield adjusts to 'earthling' life

Astronaut Chris Hadfield adjusts to 'earthling' life: Canada's space ambassador, Chris Hadfield, is still readapting to life on this planet after spending 146 days in zero gravity as commander of the International Space Station. For now, though, he's taking his homecoming one step at a time. more »

High Arctic research station saved by new funding: Canada's northernmost research lab won't have to shut down after all and will be able to resume year-round operations, with the help of a new grant from the federal government. more »
2 earthquakes felt in Ontario and Quebec: Two earthquakes near the Ontario-Quebec border could be felt across both provinces this morning. more »
Chris Hadfield's translator: Q&A with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen: While Chris Hadfield was returning from the International Space Station on Monday night, another Canadian astronaut was offering his own unique play-by-play of the action as the Soyuz capsule plunged to Earth. more »
Why some Canadians want to die on Mars: More than 80,000 people have applied for a Dutch non-profit organization's proposed one-way trip to Mars. Anna Maria Tremonti, host of The Current, spoke to four Canadians — two Mars one applicants, a member of the Mars One team, and astronaut Julie Payette — about whether it's a good idea. more »

More Headlines »

Bob McDonald's Blog

Chris Hadfield: The gravity of gravity May. 17, 2013 9:58 AM After five months of being Superman and a media superstar, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is now beginning the challenging task of adapting his mortal body and brain to life back on Earth.

Quirks & Quarks

May 18: Apps for Apes May. 17, 2013 4:26 PM Scientists at more than 2 dozen zoos around the world, including the Toronto Zoo, have been using computer tablets to stimulate our bright orange primate cousins, the orangutans. And the orangutans have been loving it.