Strategy Analytics says the number of mobile phones shipped worldwide in Q3 2009 was down 4% year-on-year to 291 million devices. However, the company points out this is an improvement on the average 11% decline during the previous three quarters and predicts the industry returning to positive growth in the fourth quarter of 2009.
300 million handsets are expected to be shipped worldwide in Q4 2009, up 3% year-on-year, signalling an end to the ‘handset recession’. Nokia remains the world’s most popular mobile phone manufacturer with 37.3% market share although Samsung has edged slightly closer with a 20.7% share. [Press release]