Apple and Samsung Continue to Dominate US Smartphones

LG Becoming Only Other Brand With Meaningful Share

Consumer Intelligence Research Partners released results of its research on mobile phone manufacturers for the calendar quarter that ended December 31, 2013. This analysis features findings about consumer trends in mobile phone brands from October-December 2013.

CIRP finds that Apple had a greater share of mobile phone sales than Samsung. Together the two brands dominate the US market. CIRP bases its findings on its survey of US subjects that activated a new or used mobile phone in October-December 2013.

Apple had 48% of mobile phone sales, while Samsung had 31% (see chart).

Phone Brand Shares

Apple's market share rebounded nicely from the previous quarter, when it had only one-third of total US sales. Conversely, Samsung's share decreased to under one-third, from 38% in the previous quarter. Clearly, the launch of the iPhone 5S and 5C helped Apple sales in the quarter.

LG had 8% of sales, while all other brands had no more than 5% of sales each. Apple's sales came at the expense of not only Samsung, but also other brands. HTC saw its share decline from 8% in the previous quarter, while Blackberry fell from 2%. LG essentially maintained its share, decreasing slightly from 9%. LG has for now become a third smartphone brand available in the US, even if its share is only a fraction of that of the two leaders.

For additional information, please contact CIRP.