Mobile phones up 24%

Converged devices witnessed the most significant growth with 70% year on year compared to 23% in the mobile phone category, with both business and casual users attracted in growing numbers to the flexibility and functionality of an evolved operating system. However, standard mobile phones still dominate in 3Q, constituting over 95% of the total market. Sales of mobile phones continued to be driven by vendors developing and heavily marketing devices, with an emphasis on attractive hardware and features as opposed to the advanced operating systems and software that characterize converged devices. Consequently, 3Q saw continued vendor progress in regards to the standard features incorporated within entry-level and midrange handsets. "Features such as color screens and digital cameras characterized higher-end handsets just 12 months ago. However, with such features now incorporated in mid- and even low-range models, we are seeing a rise in consumer expectations as vendors seek to differentiate product offerings by appealing to consumers through attractive form factors and features," said Andrew Brown, program manager for European Mobile Devices at IDC. IDC points to the percentage of standard handsets with color screens and digital cameras as evidence of the rate of evolution in the mobile phone market. Color screens are now found on over 80% of devices compared to just 49% in 3Q03, while the inclusion of digital cameras on phones displayed year-on-year growth of over 600% to total 72% of phones sold, compared to just 11% in 3Q03. 3Q also saw the volume of handsets with megapixel resolution cameras begin to grow. 1.3MP cameras are expected to become commonplace in high-end mobile phones and smartphones introduced in 2005. With growing media capability, IDC predicts vendors will increasingly include Bluetooth as standard as the ability to exchange data, in addition to connecting to wireless peripherals, becomes more important to users. 3Q04 saw the number of devices with Bluetooth rise to 36%, constituting year-on-year growth approaching 200%. In terms of overall vendor performance, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and Motorola all enjoyed significant year-on-year growth buoyed by new product launches accompanied by sustained promotion. Increased market competition meant Nokia witnessed negative growth of -8% and a fall in its overall market share to 34%. However, the Finnish vendor remains the clear market leader and IDC predicts a strong 2005 with a host of new product launches both in mid- and high-range mobile phone segments as well as in the Series 60 smartphone category.