As such, the suggestion that Samsung has, in the last 12 months, surpassed Apple as the most-used smartphone manufacturer based on browser use is significant.
Developers who currently prioritise iOS during the development of titles may now be suitably convinced to lead with Android especially when you consider that Samsung is just one Android manufacturer, with other OEMs such as HTC, Sony Ericsson and LG also featuring prominently in the stats.
Handing over the baton
As things stand up until the end of August, Samsung boasts a near 26 percent global share, up from the 20.6 percent share the Korean giant accounted for a year previously.
Apple, meanwhile, has seen its share of consumer usage fall slightly across the same period, coming in at 23.4 percent, down from 24.5 percent.
Interestingly, however, that downwards trajectory only kicked off recently, with Apple having peaked at a 27.2 percent share back in February 2013.
Brand power
Samsung's trick if that's the appropriate word has been to perform strongly in markets where it isn't top of the pile, enabling it to pull ahead when the countries where it leads the way are brought into the mix.
Also of note is Nokia's position in a clear third place.
Despite the slow start for Windows Phone and the platform's continued inability to make a mark in the US Nokia's existing userbase means it's able to punch above its weight when it comes to usage.
The challenge or, perhaps, opportunity for the soon to be Microsoft-owned Nokia will be to convince those previously loyal to the brand to upgrade to its latest range of handsets, with Nokia top dog in multiple countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
[source: StatCounter]
