Smartphone Sales Increase 13.9% in 2008

According to market research firm Gartner, worldwide sales of smartphones totaled 38.1 million units in the fourth quarter of 2008--a year-over-year increase of 3.7%--and accounted for 12% of all mobile phones sold in the period.

Global smartphone sales for the year topped 139.3 million devices, up 13.9% over 2007.

“In general in 2008, the focus from vendors and operators on increasing their smartphone portfolios remained very strong. Samsung, RIM, HTC and Apple saw their volumes and share increase during 2008, thanks to their ability to offer compelling device experiences and touch interfaces.”