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
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