According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global mobile handset shipments grew a healthy 14 percent year-over-year, to reach 282 million units in Q1 2008. Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Apple all lost marketshare.

Bonny Joy, Analyst at Strategy Analytics said, "Global handset shipments rose 14% annually, to 282 million units during Q1 2008. Emerging markets in Asia and Africa continue to surge and they are compensating for the sluggish demand in developed regions of North America and Western Europe."

Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, "Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Apple suffered downturns. Motorola and Sony Ericsson lost marketshare to rivals with stronger handset portfolios, such as LG and Samsung, while Apple has been hit by stock-outs in North America and lackluster demand for its overpriced iPhone in Western Europe."

Other findings from Strategy Analytics’ Q1 2008 Global Handset Market Share Update report include:

- Apple’s global handset shipments fell sharply, from 2.3 million units in Q4 2007 to 1.7 million in Q1 2008. Apple’s global marketshare declined for the first time, from 0.7% in Q4 2007 to 0.6% in Q1 2008.

- 2008 is shaping up to be the year of the Koreans. Improved handset portfolios enabled LG to grow at almost 4 times the annual industry average, while Samsung is growing over 2 times faster.

Global Mobile Handset Shipments and Marketshare – Top 5