Growth in China and a rush of cheaper handsets will see global smartphone sales reach the 1.05 billion by 2014 according to brokerage Credit Suisse.
The financial services company has backtracked from statements it made in January 2012 suggesting the smartphone market wouldn't reach this figure until 2015, claiming sales will rise 46 percent growth in 2012 to 687.9 million units.
That's a considerable jump from the 2 percent rise it predicted earlier this year.
Nokia to recover
As stated, Credit Suisse believes the trigger will be continued growth in the Chinese market, thanks in part to the releases of low-end handsets targeted at more budget conscious consumers.
In all, the firm states China will account for 22 percent of global sales by 2015.
In regards to manufacturers, the firm believes major winners over the next few years will be usual suspects Apple and Samsung, as well as Chinese manufacturer Huawei.
RIM in decline
Crucically, Credit Suisse also thinks Nokia will make a vital recovery following recent losses and regain 11 percent of the market share.
But it's not good news for everyone.
Credit Suisse believe Motorola, HTC, and Sony could struggle as the competition ramps up, with Blackberry manufacturer RIM in particular predicted to suffer a "rapid decline".
Meanwhile, wireless chipmaker Qualcomm is expected to see its business grow by 17 percent this year and raise its price target on stock to $80 from $70.
[source: Reuters]
News
Fresh out of the packaging, Tom joins Pocket Gamer with a chip on his shoulder and a degree in Journalism. Naively, Tom believes there's a star-studded career in video games and has penned words across the internet in between praying to the almighty Nintendo gods.
Related Articles
Top Stories
News
May 11th, 2024
PocketGamer.biz Podcast Week in Views E11 - Xbox in turmoil, Krafton champions AI development, and Apple's iPad challenge
News
May 10th, 2024
Unity says restructure that saw mass layoffs is now complete as it posts Q1 2024 revenue decline
News
May 10th, 2024
Week in Views - Xbox's mobile games store is doomed to fail, Sonic meets the Angry Birds, and Apple's iPad problem
Feature
May 10th, 2024
New release roundup: The best new mobile games from a round of roguelikes to a Sonic surprise
Events
Valencia Indie Summit 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Digital Dragons | Europe | May 19th |
GamesBeat Summit 2024 | North America | May 20th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Nordic Game Spring 2024 | Nordic | May 21st |
Impact 2024 - Indie Games | May 23rd | |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
Future Games Show 2024 | Jun 8th |