Categories: Tech & Society

Apple iPhone 5 Tops Samsung Galaxy S3 to Become World’s Best Selling Smartphone in Q4 2012

According to the latest research made by analytics firm StrategyAnalytics, Apple’s iPhone 5 overtook Samsung’s Galaxy S3 to become the world’s best-selling smartphone model for the first time ever in the fourth quarter of 2012. Research suggests, a rich touchscreen, extensive distribution and generous operator subsidies have propelled the iPhone 5 to the top spot. 

Apple’s iPhone 5 smartphone model shipped an estimated 27.4 million units worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2012. The iPhone 5 captured an impressive 13 percent share of all smartphones shipped globally and it has become the world’s best-selling smartphone model for the first time ever.

In addition to the iPhone 5, Apple shipped an estimated 17.4 million iPhone 4S units for 8 percent smartphone share globally in Q4 2012. Apple’s iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S together accounted for 1 in 5 of all smartphones shipped worldwide in Q4 2012.

Samsung’s Galaxy S3 was the world’s third best-selling smartphone model and it shipped 15.4 million units globally, capturing 7 percent share in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Prateek Panda

Prateek is the Founder of TheTechPanda. He's passionate about technology startups and entrepreneurship and enjoys speaking to new founders every day. Prateek has also been consistently regarded as one of the top marketing experts in the region.

Recent Posts

Funding alert: Tech startups that raked in moolah this month

The Tech Panda takes a look at recent funding events in the tech ecosystem, seeking…

3 days ago

6 ways AI & Data are reshaping modern marketing systems

Marketing is undergoing a structural shift. What was once driven by experience, intuition, and post-campaign…

3 days ago

Union Budget 2026 Reactions MSMEs & Investment: Reframing MSME growth & investor confidence

The Union Budget 2026 places MSMEs and long-term investment at the heart of India’s growth…

4 days ago

Union Budget 2026 Reactions Healthtech: From biopharma innovation to caregiver capacity

The Union Budget 2026 places healthcare firmly at the intersection of technology, talent, and long-term…

4 days ago

Union Budget 2026 Reactions Fintech: From UPI incentives to SME liquidity

The Union Budget 2026 has reinforced the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s digital financial backbone,…

4 days ago