• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, January 6, 2005

Three Fourths of Mobile Phones Sold in Europe Include Digital Camera

According to market data for 3Q04 released by IDC, the Western European mobile phone market grew 24% year on year, with shipments exceeding 34 million units compared to 27.6 million units in 2003. Standard mobile phones still dominate in 3Q, constituting over 95% of the total market.

Andrew Brown, program manager for European Mobile Devices at IDC, said "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."

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.

IDC Western European Total Mobile Phone Vendor Shares, 3Q04 Vendor Share

• Nokia 34.3%
• Siemens 15.2%
• Samsung 13.2%
• Sony Ericsson 12.9%
• Motorola 10.1%
• Others 14.3%

Source: IDC, 2004

You can find out more here.