The Top 5 Mobile Manufacturers

During October, according to industry analysts IDC, the mobile phone market grew 14.6%. Inevitably, smartphones are playing an ever-increasing role in the rise of the mobile market, infact, their estimated market share is expected to grow by over 50% by the end of the year.



There are now two smartphone-only companies in the top 5 phone manufacturers list, as Apple joins RIM with the highest growth rates in the last year. Despite a little trouble following its launch, the iPhone 4 phones have been flying off the shelves, allowing Apple to outsell both BlackBerry and Sony Ericsson phones. Samsung, which is holding the second place, has shipped more phones than ever before in its history. This is in no small part due to the Galaxy S phones and also the Samsung Wave.


LG is holding the third place despite falling shipment numbers and declining profits. They are undergoing a CEO change this quarter. However, in a change of fortune, Sony Ericsson, which has been in the Top 5 for quite a while, dropped off the list. Still on top is the highly experienced Nokia, with their smartphone shipments rising by over 60%.

Apple is far from perfect

"We're not perfect", said Apple boss Steve Jobs, at a press conference called to tackle the ongoing speculation about the iPhone 4's antenna problem. He went on to claim that reception problems were endemic throughout the smartphone industry.



To dumb the noise of complaints that they have had to date Apple is offering a free case to every complaining owner of its iPhone 4.


You will be able to get your free case via the Apple website between 22 July and the 30th September. Mr Jobs said Apple could not make enough for all owners of the phone, afterall three million customers equals approximately £118m, but would source a supply and offer a range of cases.


It seems that they had to do something, so owners will be pleased to hear that Mr Jobs also extended an offer to iPhone 4 users to give them a full refund within 30 days if they were still unhappy with the handset's performance.