The Samsung Galaxy S3 has topped a trio of Samsung Galaxy smartphones more popular than the iPhone 5, UK sales figures for December have revealed.
Continuing a run of dominance that has seen it remain the UK’s most popular smartphone for eight consecutive months since launch, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has been named the UK’s most popular smartphone for December as well as Christmas number one and the most popular handset of 2012.
Highlighting Samsung’s recent rise to power on the smartphone scene, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is backed up by two further Samsung Galaxy branded devices in the UK charts for December with the Samsung Galaxy S2 and Samsung Galaxy Ace rising two and three positions respectively to end the year in second and third spots.
The latest figures, compiled by mobile tracker and comparison site uSwitch and based on sales, pre-orders and web searches, have shown that following a collection of Samsung Galaxy handsets, Apple’s iPhone 5 could manage just sixth in the chart, also falling behind the LG manufactured Google Nexus 4 and its now dated sibling, the iPhone 4S.
With the Google Nexus 4 release continuing to be hampered by stock shortages, the iPhone 5 has been thwarted by the continued rise of Android powered handsets, failing to claim top spot in the uSwitch charts at any point since its September releases.
“December’s top ten chart reads like the Who’s Who of smartphones,” Ernest Doku, a telecoms expert at uSwitch said. “Top of the tree were three Samsung Galaxy phones, more than matching the iPhone with a range of incredibly affordable devices. The enduring presence of the Ace and Galaxy S2 – both released back in 2011 – prove that a bargain price point and strong software support can keep classic handsets battling with the heavyweights.”
Looking ahead to the future of the smartphone market, Doku added: “2013 looks set to introduce yet more exciting phones. January sees the make-or-break return of BlackBerry with a brand new operating system and refreshed range of devices. Rumour has it that a wave of turbo-charged Android devices are set to follow suit, while new Windows Phone 8 phones will also be looking to make an impact.
“What can be certain is that current favourites Samsung and Apple had better watch out – competition is certainly going to be hotting up in the New Year.”
What was your top smartphone of 2012? Does your vote fall within the Apple or Android camps? Let us know via the Trusted Reviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comment boxes below.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
