By Joan Bennett
The share of mobile phone handset sales that are smartphones continues to climb, according to the NPD Group . The share of smartphones in the United States reached 59 per cent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2011, an increase of 13 per centage points since Q3 of 2010. Average selling prices for smartphones have declined for four consecutive quarters, reaching $135 in Q3.
According to NPD’s new Smartphone Track service, prices are falling even though many consumers originally considered paying more. Among U.S. consumers who considered purchasing phones in the $200 to $250 price range, 64 per cent ended up purchasing a phone for less than $200. Led by continued steady sales for Apple’s iPhones, the top five best-selling mobile phone handsets in Q3 were as follows:
- Apple iPhone 4
- Apple iPhone 3GS
- HTC EVO 4G
- Motorola Droid 3
- Samsung Intensity II
The top U.S. mobile accessories brands in Q3 were Zagg, Otter Products, Just Wireless, Motorola, and Incase Designs.